Async Communication Best Practices

When to Prefer Async

• Topics requiring reading, links, and decisions over time.
• Cross-time-zone collaboration without urgency.
• Recurring updates that don’t require debate.

Writing That Scales

• One-pager structure: context → options → recommendation → risks → next steps.
• Status updates: goals, progress, risks, asks, ETA; keep it scannable.
• Decision logs (ADRs): record owner, date, rationale, and link to PRDs/RFCs.

Response Time & Expectations

• Publish SLAs (e.g., replies within 24h, code reviews within 48h).
• Batch communication windows to reduce notification fatigue.

Escalation Path

1. Async thread with clear question and deadline.
2. Short live call with agenda and decisions needed.
3. Post notes back to the async channel with owners and dates.

Templates

Weekly Async Update

Project: {{Name}} — Week of {{YYYY-MM-DD}}
Goals: …
Progress: …
Risks/Blockers: …
Asks/Decisions Needed: …
ETA: …
                    

Decision Log (ADR)

Title: {{Decision Title}}
Context: …
Options Considered: …
Decision: …
Rationale: …
Owner/Date: …
Links: PRD, RFC, PRs
                    

FAQ

What if async threads get noisy? Use headers, summaries, and a “TL;DR” at the top; archive off-topic threads to a summary doc.

How to get decisions faster? Provide options with trade-offs and a default by a set date.