# Asynchronous Communications - Having [asynchronous communication channels and making heavy use of them can have great effects on productivity](https://www.martinklepsch.org/posts/asynchronous-communication.html). - Every question asked in an internal Slack is a policy failure. - [Asynchronous environments allows for self discovery without interruptions](http://web.archive.org/web/20240222195139/https://snir.dev/blog/remote-async-communication/): - You can keep on your flow without waiting for someone to give you details. - You can get into "Deep [[Focus]]" session without context switching that allows for better [[productivity]]. - You can work whenever, since you are not dependent on anyone immediately. - You'll have written records of everything. - [Async communication](http://web.archive.org/web/20241006094947/https://protocol.almanac.io/docs/async-work-ezPny9x7Q50QISL4UIUhB3PoURV0lgxP) takes more time but it enables better thinking. Learn to [[Asking Questions|ask better questions]] and [[Writing|write requests]]. - The 4 components of a [great asynchronous message](https://protocol-labs.gitbook.io/launchpad-curriculum/launchpad-learning-resources/protocol-labs-network/os-stewardship#sync-comms): 1. Enough information to cover all follow-up questions. 2. A deadline. When do you need a response by? How urgent is it? Which task is being blocked right now? 3. Links, images, and as much supporting material as possible that will help illustrate your thoughts. 4. A concrete need. What do you want to get out of the communication? Approval on a task? An asset of some kind? Be clear. - Beware of the (cultural) Power Distance Index. The lower the PDI, the more direct communications are preferred; the higher, the more diplomatic the communications are preferred. - Asynchronous communication is efficient and inclusive, ensuring that discussions are well thought through, self-documented, and accessible to all team members, regardless of their work hours. ## Resources - [Manifesto for Async Software Development](http://asyncmanifesto.org/).