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Get More Done Without More Meetings Thanks to Asynchronous Communication

With efficiency being the name of the game, I’m thinking a lot about how leaders like you  can streamline your workflow and take your team’s performance to the next level.


The answer? Asynchronous Communication. (And no, it’s NOT just for remote teams.)


This game-changing communication style allows your team to work on their own schedules, giving you the power to reclaim your time and prioritize work that moves the needle. 🙌




Why Go Asynchronous?


Adopting an async-first mindset takes some practice, but the benefits are undeniable. It starts with one simple shift: default no meetings. 


This approach makes collaboration more flexible and less pressured while fostering trust and autonomy within your team.


Once you embrace that communication doesn’t require everyone to be present at the same time, your workday will flow smoother and smarter.  You’ll still have a few meetings, but only for the critical conversations that need real-time input.


Here’s what async communication can do for you:


Boosts Productivity:

Team members can focus on deep work without feeling pressured to respond immediately, leading to higher-quality results.


Reduces Decision Fatigue: 

Without the rush to reply, people have time to think through their responses, leading to better decision-making.


Supports a Global Workforce: 

Async communication bridges time zones, allowing global teams to collaborate without needing overlapping schedules.


Minimizes Meeting Overload: 

By shifting routine updates and non-urgent conversations to async channels, you’ll free up more time for high-value work.


Encourages Autonomy: 

Giving employees control over their schedules builds a culture of trust, independence, and responsibility.



Ready to try Asynchronous Communication? 


To help you decide when to go async,  just ask these 5 simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions:


  1. Is real-time feedback needed? No? Go async.

  2. Is it time-sensitive? If it can wait, async it. 

  3. Can you be clear without a meeting? If the message is clear without real-time back-and-forth, it’s async-ready. 

  4. Is it routine or informational? Routine updates? Share asynchronously. 

  5. Can tools do the work? If email, project tools, or videos can handle it, skip the meeting.



How to Clear Your Mundane Meeting Calendar


When I work with teams to gain efficiencies, I focus on these two major calendar offenders:


1️⃣ Content or Process Reviews 

 → Instead, use Loom (currently my favorite tool!), Zoom, or Teams to record yourself reviewing a document or process to provide feedback.


AND


2️⃣ Status Updates 

→ Instead, use tools for project updates, freeing up meetings for strategy, feedback, and problem-solving. Although tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack are great, I’ve had teams get amazing results with a shared Google Sheet, too!



Getting Comfortable with Asynchronous Communication


To ensure async communication works smoothly for your team, establish a few ground rules:

  • Set Clear Timelines: Agree on response times and delivery dates to manage expectations.

  • Use Sync for Sensitive Issues: Critical conversations, like hiring, firing, or performance reviews, should remain synchronous.

  • Be Concise but Comprehensive: Provide all essential details up front to avoid back-and-forth.

  • Trust Your Team: Give them the space to respond on their own time within the agreed timeline.

  • Choose the Right Tool: Use the best platform for the message—whether it’s email, video, or project management tools. (I recently shared my favorite communication tools on LinkedIn—check them out for some inspiration!)


Ready to make the shift? Start small, go async, and watch your productivity soar!


[BONUS]: Tools to Make Asynchronous Communication a Breeze!


Speaking of tools! Choose them wisely - I love a shiny new tech solution, but you may be surprised how easy it is to use tools you already have to support your new asynch-first workstyle!


Here are a few favorites:

🛠 Email: The granddaddy of async communication. With the right ground rules (see below) that meeting really can be an email!


🛠 Video Messages: The most underused tool for effective, async communications. Loom is my favorite, but you can also record and send on Zoom or Teams to provide detailed feedback without scheduling a meeting. Record and send a voice message if a visual isn’t necessary.


🛠 Project Management: Asana and Trello help teams stay organized without real-time check-ins. Geekbot or Dailybot can help with stand-ups. A Google sheet or Excel doc can work too!


🛠 Collaboration: Miro and Slack are perfect for idea-sharing and discussion.


🛠  Knowledge Base: Notion and Google Drive allow teams to store and share information easily.


🛠  Scheduling: Use tools like Calendly or Doodle to simplify coordination without endless email threads.


 

As a leader of a small, medium, or growth-oriented business, the stakes to execute flawlessly are high. Finding the right HR expert with specialized skills and a proven track record leading firms through periods of rapid expansion or transition can help you build a strong foundation for long-term success and avoid the pitfalls that could erode confidence and trust among your staff, board, investors, and customers.



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Image by Bethany Legg

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