Effective Digital Communication: Top 5 Green Flags  

Who hasn’t been on the receiving end of a last-minute “ASAP” message or a call invite to an already packed schedule? In our global team we strive to improve our digital communication habits and adopted 5 green flags for effective daily interaction with colleagues. Here are the rules that we follow and encourage you to try as well: 

1. No “Call?”  without details 

Sending a vague “Call?” message without any explanation leaves your colleague puzzled. Instead, clearly state the purpose of the call to check whether this call can be an email, if the person is available, or if they are the right person to help you. If you receive such a message, don’t hesitate to ask for details. 

2. Consider the global presence of your team 

Be mindful of different time zones when scheduling meetings. Planning a meeting during someone’s evening or late night disrupts their work-life balance and decreases productivity. Additionally, always use a common language for meeting invitations and any accompanying files, as they may be shared with colleagues who do not speak your language. 

3. No agenda—no meeting 

Always use a clear, informative title for your invitation that describes the meeting’s purpose. Include at least one sentence about its agenda. This provides context for attendees and allows them to prepare accordingly. A well-defined agenda can also help to keep the meeting focused and productive. 

4. No invite to the “red slot” 

Inviting a colleague to a meeting that conflicts with their existing schedule or focus time without prior arrangement is a bad tone. Respect other’s working hours and schedule. Reconsider the starting time, length of the meeting, or whether this person’s presence is crucial. If you still need to invite them, ask first. 

5. Five minutes for rest or notes 

Allowing a meeting to run over the scheduled time can leave colleagues feeling rushed and stressed. Aim to end meetings five minutes earlier. This short break can be used for taking notes, summarizing key takeaways, or simply give colleagues a moment to have a coffee before moving on to their next task. 

Follow these simple, yet effective tips and in no time, you will have total green flag communication. To go pro in clear and respectful interaction with colleagues join a company of engineering masters, great teamwork, and a healthy work environment.