Learn It 10.2.2 Team-Focused Messages

Short Team-Focused Message

Since interactivity is a key to teamwork, a chat environment is a great team-focused communication platform. Short team messages can be communications such as status updates, meeting requests, notes of appreciation, or invitations to a meet-up after work. Giving the team a way to respond as a group can be important to get everyone’s ideas and opinions in the same message thread. Figure 1 shows three team members commenting on the status of a PDF.

Chat between three colleagues collaborating on a project. Colleague M: How are things looking with the PDF, Corey? WE'd love to have it by first thing tomorrow morning, but I understand if it's turned into a bigger project. Coworker C: Yes sorry I didn't reply. I've been on the road all day. I have it done and I'll send it as soon as I get to a WiFi connection. Coworker M: Oh, awesome! Thanks! Coworker T: Perfect! I can probably get it all wrapped up (TOC etc) tonight then. Coworker M: Amazing! Thank you both!
Figure 1. Chat between three collaborating team members

A short team-focused message can also be in the form of an email, especially for quick file attachment sharing with multiple team members.

To: Mondaire Penrod, Orenda King, Santino Noa, Nahele Thomas

Subject: Here are the notes from today’s meeting

From: Nylah East

Attachment: Meeting Notes MediLabs.docx

Hello All,

As promised, the notes from today’s session with the customer are attached.

Thank you,

Nylah

Nylah East

Product Manager

Vitality Health Systems

Team-focused communication is a great vehicle to keep team members informed, ensure projects are moving, and ultimately achieve strong results. Given all of the technology available in the workplace today, it is even easier than ever to create and send messages to your colleagues. One caveat: be aware and considerate of your teammates’ personal space. If you send an email, don’t text or IM right away to ask if they received your message. Don’t bother your colleagues after hours or on weekends unless you have mutually agreed to do so.