What is Asynchronous Communication and what its benefits?

Asynchronous communication is a form of communication where one person starts a communication thread, and the recipient is not under an obligation to respond immediately. In other words, asynchronous communication does not happen in real time.

Asynchronous Vs. Synchronous Communication

Synchronous communication occurs in real time. In synchronous communication, you and your listener are essentially in sync – you provide your information, and your recipient listens in the present and answers promptly. There is no time lag associated with this mode of communication.

There are situations in which synchronous communication is more advantageous than asynchronous communication. For example, if you and your team want to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming campaign, it makes sense to do it in real-time, so that you can bounce ideas off one another and communicate concerns without the risk of miscommunication.

However, synchronous communication takes planning in advance to ensure that all team members can attend the meeting at a specific time, and it is not always necessary.

Channels of Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous communication is an evolved of communication method, a new social order, or an etiquette if will, and does not require any specialized channels. Any messaging, emailing, or collaboration tool can be used equally effectively for asynchronous communication. All it needs is a paradigm shift in social and organizational culture. A new culture, where people do not expect others to respond immediately. The society will have to metamorphose into a culture where there is no penalty, personal or professional, for not responding immediately. Nevertheless, there are many channels that are specifically designed for asynchronous communication such as Twist, Monday.com, Slab, Tettra, Loom etc. Even your humble WhatsApp, Line, and Telegram can be used for asynchronous communication with ease. As mentioned earlier, it is the not platform or the technology, rather it is the culture that differentiates asynchronous communication from synchronous.

Benefits of Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous communication is catching up fast because of multiple benefits it offers to all the stakeholders. The most significant ones are listed below.

All of these modes of asynchronous communication allow each team member to share ideas at his or her convenience.
Moreover, asynchronous communication can frequently facilitate more effective dialogues. If a colleague proposes an idea to me in the morning while I’m in the kitchen, I’m likely to be preoccupied and unable to give her with the optimum solution. Alternatively, if I find an email discussing the same topic in my inbox, I have time to contemplate how I wish to approach the situation with care.
Additionally, asynchronous communication permits the recording of conversations. If you are working on a long-term project and want to take notes on your colleagues’ continual comments, an asynchronous dialogue through email chain allows you to avoid the problems of taking notes in meetings.
Lastly, asynchronous communication is frequently essential for distant employees. For example, my coworker in Missouri works remotely. Frequently, I am unable to “drop by her desk” for a quick chat; instead, we interact via asynchronous channels, such as email and Slack. Given that we work in different time zones, these asynchronous exchanges are essential.

The Rules of Asynchronous Communication

Since at the look of it, asynchronous communication seems to afford so much of freedom and flexibility, it may be misunderstood and may eventually become counterproductive, if there are no rules. The communication may be distorted or completely break in the absence of these rules. Here are some rules for asynchronous communication that can be implemented at the organizational level and be even be imbibed into the fabric of the society gradually to make this type of communication more effective and beneficial for everyone.

1. Encourage mastery of writing and communication as crucial skills

Being able to explain one’s thoughts clearly decreases the amount of conversations and aids others in getting to the point faster. In asynchronous communication, everyone should talk and write to some extent.

2. Judge people based on their achievements

It is necessary to consider the outcomes before evaluating the staff. You should never consider the speed of message response or the number of hours spent at work. When a long-term effect is observed, feedback might be provided.

3. Encourage confidence, organization, autonomy, and accountability

Without these characteristics, asynchronous communication cannot function. When others are sure that you will complete tasks on schedule, they have no reason to worry about your duties.

4. Establish realistic expectations

It is crucial to establish fair response time expectations. For example, it is vital to respond to emails within three hours and texts within one and a half hours. It can vary greatly depending on the industry and preferences of workers. Simply utilize the quiz creator to determine staff opinions.

5. Utilize tools that encourage focused effort

Particularly, email should not be used for internal purposes. While this format can be utilized asynchronously, it often leads to information getting lost in a torrent of emails, and when people can’t find the information they need, collaboration becomes less efficient. In consequence, this can cause harm to the company email infrastructure.

6. Establish emergency procedures and communication channels

In the event of an emergency, you can utilize a second VoIP number or even a phone number. If the call will be lengthy, you can use the call recording option to avoid having to listen to it again. However, their usage should be permitted only in the most extreme circumstances, often no more than two or three times each year. Acclimate yourself to the notion that the majority of matters are not urgent and do not demand an immediate answer.

Additional Reading – Adaptation Is The Only Way To Succeed In Life And Work

Conclusion

In the future, the most successful businesses and groups will likely adopt this form of communication. It will be teams that do not require employees to be physically present at all times. These teams will prioritize personal spaces conducive to creativity and reflection.