Communication is at the heart of good teamwork. At Softly, we have a culture of understanding one another through transparent, open communication and creating even greater synergy together.
Transparent Information Sharing
Information is valuable when it is shared, not hidden. We share as much information as possible in a transparent way, and this enables us to make better decisions.
- Weekly all-hands meetings: We share the company's strategy, results, and challenges with everyone
- Transparent goal sharing: We make each team's and individual's OKRs visible to all
- Sharing the decision-making process: We explain how important decisions were reached
- Open-door policy: Anyone can share their opinions directly with leadership
"Good communication starts with listening."
Asynchronous Communication
Not everyone can be in the same place at the same time. Especially in an environment where remote work is possible, asynchronous communication matters.
The Importance of Documentation
We always put important content into writing. By recording meeting notes, the reasoning behind decisions, technical choices, and more, we make sure that even those who couldn't take part can understand the context later.
We see "writing meeting notes" not as a formal procedure, but as an important process by which the whole team's knowledge accumulates.
Active Listening
Communication is not only about speaking. In fact, listening is often even more important. We make an effort to hear the other person out fully and to understand them.
- We listen without interrupting when someone else is speaking
- When something is unclear, we ask questions to clarify
- We try to see things from the other person's perspective
- We try to understand before we criticize
Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a gift for growth. But when it is delivered the wrong way, it can hurt. We practice ways of giving and receiving constructive feedback with one another.
Feedback Principles
- Be specific: Refer to concrete situations and behaviors rather than abstractions
- Focus on behavior: Give feedback about the behavior, not the person's character
- Suggest a direction for improvement: Don't just point out problems—think through how to improve together
- Right timing: Deliver it before it's too late, but when emotions aren't running high
- One-on-one: Deliver it privately, not in a public setting
Diverse Communication Channels
We choose the right communication channel depending on the situation and content. Urgent matters go through a call or a direct conversation, information sharing through Slack, and important decisions through meetings.
Our Communication Tools
- Slack: Everyday work communication and quick information sharing
- Notion: Documentation and knowledge management
- Zoom/Meet: Video conferencing and remote collaboration
- GitHub: Code review and technical discussion
- In-person meetings: Important decisions or team building
Resolving Conflict
Opinions can differ, and conflict can sometimes arise. What matters is not avoiding conflict, but resolving it in a healthy way.
When conflict arises, we don't avoid it—we talk directly. We understand each other's positions and, keeping the team's goals at the center, work toward the best solution.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
We strive for Nonviolent Communication. Through its four steps—observation, feelings, needs, and requests— we try to communicate honestly, without judgment or blame.
The Change Communication Creates
Good communication is more than simply conveying information. It is a process of understanding one another, building trust, and solving problems together.
Through transparent, open communication, Softly builds stronger teamwork and creates greater synergy. This is the driving force behind our rapid growth.