Asynchronous communication is a type of communication that does not happen in real-time. It is a method of communication where one person provides information, and then there is a time lag before the recipients take in the information and offer their responses. This type of communication is often used in electronically mediated communication, where participants do not communicate concurrently. Examples of asynchronous communication include email, bulletin-board systems, and instant messaging tools like Slack. Asynchronous communication is often critical for ensuring each colleague is able to choose when and where they receive the information you want to provide – and equally equipped to choose when, where.
Asynchronous communication is different from synchronous communication, which is real-time communication when two or more parties are talking or exchanging messages at the same time. Asynchronous communication is a powerful way to increase productivity, protect focus time, and empower your team to get their highest-impact work done. However, communicating asynchronously takes more time and planning, and requires specific tools. To communicate asynchronously effectively, it is important to be thoughtful and clear in your messages, and to establish company-wide alignment on how and where to input communication.
