Core Disciplines

3.1 Communication

We Focus on the Receiver

"Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity." — Nat Turner

Clear, respectful, and receiver-focused communication which minimizes noise is the highest priority within TDC's Collaborative OS. We are set on embodying a free flow of honest communication as a force for collective benefit, advancement, and outcomes — something that builds trust and creates lasting results across generations.

Principle of Receiver-Focused Communication

Clarity = message received and understood.

Definition: Effective communication begins with the receiver. Work is not complete until the intended audience has clearly understood the context, message, and next steps.

How It Shows Up: Anticipating the receiver's role, knowledge, and frame of reference; choosing the right medium; confirming that the message was understood and acted on.

TDC Communication Tools

At TDC, we practice two-way communication across a variety of forms. When we are truly receiver-focused, we select the appropriate tool and use it correctly.

💬

Text Messaging

For shorthand and quick communication — reminders, confirmations, or urgent matters. Not appropriate for complex or sensitive issues.

📧

For formal, professional communication — reports, proposals, invitations. Always spell check, proofread for tone, and use a signature.

📞

Phone Calls

For direct and immediate interaction — appointments, instructions, clarification, problem resolution. Allows vocal tone for greater clarity.

👥

Live Meetings

For collaborative or creative communication — brainstorming, decisions, feedback, presentation. Always use an intentional agenda.

🟦

Microsoft Teams

Chat for quick exchanges. Posts for team-based or project-based communication with channels, threads, and announcements.

📄

Shared Document Review

For multi-source feedback. Always timeframe your response deadline. If writing paragraphs of comment, consider switching to a direct conversation.

↓ Going Deeper with Communication

Five Core Functions of Collaboration — Section 5.8

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3.2 Documentation

Documentation is Communication to the Future

"Documentation = today recorded for tomorrow."

Documentation keeps us moving in the right direction by ensuring history is really documented. It is integral to passing along knowledge, central to transparency and accountability, and its own type of collaboration.

Principle of Future-Focused Documentation

Documentation = today recorded for tomorrow.

Definition: Documentation is communication to the future. It transforms moments into markers that guide our path, creating an objective record that makes knowledge live in the organization, not just in individuals.

How It Shows Up: Created immediately while fresh, written for the receiver, kept clear and simple. It tells the story of what happened, why it matters, and where it leads.

Keys to TDC Documentation

Create immediately — while information is fresh. Relying on memory distorts quality and reliability.

Require objectivity — it's about what exists, not what you feel about what exists.

Demand simplicity — creating simple, immediately understandable documentation requires thoughtfulness and care.

Be story driven — documentation must tell the story of what went on to ensure clarity.

Be measurable — is it quantitative data? Qualitative progress? A lesson learned?

Include context — what does this arise from, why is it being communicated, and why is it important?

↓ Going Deeper with Documentation

Tracking — The Core Function — Section 5.8.3

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