The how, where, why, and when we communicate. Long form asynchronous? Real-time chat? In-person? Video? Verbal? Written? Via email? In Basecamp? How do we keep everyone in the loop without everyone getting tangled in everyone else’s business? It’s all in here.

An unsurprisingly blunt, plain language set of guidelines from the Basecamp team. Useful as a guide for other teams looking to build or improve upon their internal communication habits.

I really dig this twist on the existing maxim from Elizabeth Ayer:

Here are 4 reasons that radiating intent is better than begging forgiveness:

• Radiating intent gives a chance for someone to stop you before you do a thing, in case it’s truly harmful
• Radiating intent gives people who have information, or want to help, an opening to participate
• Radiating intent leaves better evidence of your good will
• Radiating intent shows others that adventurous behavior is acceptable in the org.

Her note on inclusivity is a good reminder for anyone dispensing advice to others:

I also don’t believe that “ask forgiveness” is inclusive advice. If you are from a group who has historically not been granted forgiveness, how is that going to land? Or if you’re in a group with cultural baggage around subversive behavior?

I was pleasantly surprised-not-surprised to see that Elizabeth works at 18F where they continue doing really important work building inclusive government services.