Expectations around Communication

Introduction

We live in a highly connected world. There are a variety of ways staff and volunteers can maintain connectedness. It is important to understand that creating healthy balanced approaches toward communication is an essential component to developing the Kingdom oriented work that we manage. It is the responsibility of the communicator to engage in communication that models Christ-likedness. It is also important that the communicator offer much grace and support during the communication process.

Staff Requirements

Paid staff are required to understand communication methods and policies. Failure to utilize proper mechanism can result in disciplinary actions. Staff should model the best practices at all times so that volunteers are aware and follow.

Characteristics of Kingdom Communication

The Apostle Paul creates a standard of communication that Kingdom minded people use in 1 Corinthians 13. Please model your conversations through the lens of "love" that Paul presents maintaining a presence of positivity and professionalism in the demeanor.

Preferred Communication Methods

While we utilize many technologies including slack public channels, slack private channels, slack private messages, social media groups, text messaging and more. It is important to remember the following:

Slack Public Channels

These are to be used by conversations that are viewable by any party, staff, volunteer, or the general public. These platforms should be considered wide open and all conversations in these areas should be professional and relevant for the public.

Improper Communication Methods

Slack private messages should never be used for work related conversations. Please refere to the appropriate channel or create a new channel in order to keep conversations threaded and on task.

Social media private messages should only be used for person non-work related messages.

Text messages should be rarely used for work related topics. Please keep work related messages to slack or email.

Two Business Day Rule

A grace should be applied that when a staff member has been sent a message that they have two business days to respond. Sometimes it may take longer but touching up on a conversation after two business days has passed it normal and should be considered a healthy part of maintaining dialogue in a digital age. All parties should agree that a person who has not responded in two business days can be reminded with no offense considered by any party. If a person choses not to re-start a conversation after two business days they should not accuse a staff member of ignoring their conversation.

1 Week Rule

For people outside of the organization, it is healthy to touch a conversation after it has gone silent after one week.