Make distributed work explicit

A distributed team cannot depend on conversations that only some people hear. Record decisions, their reasons, ownership, and the next action in an accessible place. Establish where current information lives.

Write clearly enough that the reader can act without guessing. Use direct sentences and explicit questions. Reread an important message for missing context before you send it.

Calls remain useful when emotion, ambiguity, or rapid discussion makes them the better medium. Choose the method according to the need. A meeting is not necessary simply because it feels active.

Reduce interruptions that fragment concentrated work. A thoughtful written explanation can replace repeated meetings. Good communication should help people do the work, not become most of the work.