How to communicate with a CEO.

Communication comes in [way too] many forms. From email to Slack, Skype, texts, calls, meeting requests, Jira, chatting at the side of your desk etc. Trying to keep up- let alone prioritize- is extremely difficult, especially when you’re managing a team or a company. Tobyn Sowden, CEO @Redbrick provided our team a general guideline that’s worth sharing, because, let’s face it, understanding on how to communicate with a CEO (and get answers) can be confusing. Oh, and we should mention — this can, and maybe should — be applied to all your colleagues.

The back story (from a CEO):

Someone recently asked me (outside of Redbrick and not in a community engagement perspective) if I wanted to start a slack channel to keep a dialog open about an important issue / opportunity I’m working on. It made absolutely no sense to me. So I actually had to explain how I communicate, over each medium.

Opportunistic (give me a reply if you can)

• Slack /Skype— e.g. “hey, are you around?” … “hey, what was the name of that new partner?” …
• If I’m online and available, I’ll do my best to reply, but I might not.
• If I’m not online, I probably won’t see it, maybe not get back to you for days, or a week, or never
• Opportunistic is generally casual in nature.

Important (I need a reply, or confirmation of read)

• Email — e.g. “here is all the information, I need a decision”, “here is all the information to update you on X”
• I will read it and take action on it within 48 hours.
• If I don’t reply within 48 hours, I’m still thinking, it’s holding a spot and I’m not at inbox zero.
• If I think it’s urgent or I can respond quickly without further consideration, I’ll probably turn it around in 4 hours.

Urgent (I need a reply ASAP)

• Text Message — e.g. “problem with new partner, need to chat”, “the office is locked, can you open it?”
• I will look at this and reply as soon as possible, probably right after the meeting I’m in ends.
• Usually turning this around in minutes or less than 2 hours.

Holy F*ck (pick up your phone now)

• Phone Call — e.g. “the office is flooding, what should we do?” (This actually happened in September). “I’m stuck in Belize and they need you to confirm my employment to get me out of the country”.
• I need something NOW.
• I will answer and step out of the meeting I’m in and talk to you.
• I will usually call you right back since it’s an emergency.

Use these as guidelines when reaching out or communicating with any team member or your CEO….for everyone’s sake.