Welcome to Chat and Communication. Please ensure you read each section carefully. Estimated time to completion are below. It is expected that you will work on this module on both Monday and Thursday:
Introduction to Workplace Communication (45 minutes)
Chat Communication (1 hour)
Email Communication (1 hour)
Email Practice (1 hour 30 minutes)
Scheduling Meetings (1 hour)
Handling Difficult Conversations (1 hour)
Christlike Communication (30 minutes)
PathwayConnect Review (1 hour 15 minutes)
Total estimated time: 8 hours
Effective communication is one of the most important skills in any job. It helps teams collaborate, ensures that projects stay on track, and prevents misunderstandings that could lead to costly mistakes. Poor communication can cause confusion, missed deadlines, and frustration among employees.
In the workplace, communication happens in many different ways—through emails, chat messages, meetings, phone calls, and even project management tools. Knowing when to use each method is key to being efficient and professional. Using the wrong tool can slow down work, create unnecessary back-and-forth, or even damage relationships with coworkers or clients.
Once you decide to send a message, stick to one communication channel. Sending the same message via email, Teams, and WhatsApp clutters communication and slows responses. Choose the best platform and stick with it. If the recipient doesn’t reply as quickly as you’d like, consider your next chance to sync—maybe in an upcoming meeting. If urgent, use their preferred contact method, and if you’re unsure, just ask.
This module will help you understand the most common workplace communication tools and how to choose the right one for different situations.
Different communication tools serve different purposes. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used tools and when to use them.
Chat (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, etc.)
✅ Best for: Quick questions, team collaboration, urgent updates
❌ Avoid for: Long discussions, formal communication, external clients
Chat tools are used for fast, informal communication between coworkers. They are best when you need a quick response or when working collaboratively on a project. For example, if you need to check on the status of a task, a chat message is often more effective than an email.
However, chat should not be used for formal communication or complex discussions. Long conversations in chat can become disorganized, and it may be difficult to track important details.
Email (Outlook, Gmail, Company Email System)
✅ Best for: Formal communication, sending reports, external communication
❌ Avoid for: Simple yes/no questions, urgent matters
Email is the professional standard for most workplace communication. It is commonly used for sending reports, making formal requests, or communicating with people outside your company. Email provides a written record of discussions and is useful when sharing detailed information.
However, email is not ideal for urgent messages. If you need a response quickly, chat or a phone call is often a better choice.
Meetings (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, In-Person)
✅ Best for: Brainstorming, problem-solving, discussions with multiple people
❌ Avoid for: Simple updates, one-on-one questions that can be answered in writing
Meetings are important for complex discussions that require back-and-forth conversation. If a topic needs input from multiple people or involves decision-making, a meeting is often the best choice. Virtual meetings using Zoom or Teams are commonly used for remote teams.
However, meetings should not be used when a message can be communicated more efficiently through email or chat. Unnecessary meetings waste time and reduce productivity.
Project Management Tools (Trello, Asana, Monday.com, Notion, etc.)
✅ Best for: Assigning and tracking tasks, managing project updates
❌ Avoid for: Urgent or one-time communication
Project management tools help teams stay organized by keeping track of assigned tasks, deadlines, and progress updates. These tools are useful when working on long-term projects that involve multiple people.
They are not a replacement for direct communication. If you need to clarify something quickly, it is better to use chat or email instead of leaving a comment on a project management tool.
Phone Calls & Video Calls
✅ Best for: Complex conversations, discussing sensitive topics
❌ Avoid for: Messages that can be communicated in writing
Sometimes, a direct conversation is the best option. Phone calls or video calls are helpful when discussing a complex issue that would take too long to explain in writing. They are also useful when discussing confidential topics that should not be documented in an email or chat.
However, many workplace conversations can be handled through written communication. Before calling someone, consider whether your message could be sent in an email or chat instead.
Choosing the right tool depends on a few key factors:
How urgent is the message?
If you need a quick response, use chat or a phone call.
If it is not urgent, use email or a project management tool.
How formal does the communication need to be?
If the message is formal or requires a record, use email.
If it is informal, chat is acceptable.
How complex is the information?
If the message is long or detailed, email is best.
If it requires discussion, a meeting or call is better.
Who is the audience?
If communicating with external clients, use email.
If discussing something internally with your team, chat may be fine.
Below are ten workplace scenarios. Choose the best communication tool for each situation: Chat, Email, Meeting, Project Management Tool, or Phone Call. In some cases, there may be more than one acceptable answer depending on company culture.
Create a table in a Word document. Have three columns in the table:
Scenario
Best Tool
Reasoning (Why did you choose this tool? Explain with 2-3 sentences)
Scenarios:
Your coworker asks for a quick update on a shared project.
You need to send a report with key takeaways to your manager.
A client has a complex complaint that requires discussion.
You need to confirm a deadline with your manager.
You’re working on a group project and need to assign tasks.
You have a simple yes/no question for a coworker.
Your team needs to brainstorm ideas for an upcoming project.
You need to follow up with a client about an unresolved issue.
You’re sharing the final version of a company-wide document.
You need to discuss a performance concern with an employee.
Save your final document as a PDF. You will upload this PDF to this week's self-evaluation.
Chat tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Chat have become essential in modern workplaces. They enable teams to communicate in real time, allowing for faster decision-making and collaboration. However, because chat is often more informal and quick, it can be easy to make mistakes in tone or content. Professional communication, even in a chat, is crucial for building respect and maintaining a positive work environment.
In this module, you'll learn the do’s and don’ts of chat communication, and practice rewriting messages to make them more professional and effective.
Overview of Workplace Chat Platforms
Most companies use one of several popular chat platforms for internal communication. Each platform has similar features but may be customized to fit your team's needs:
Slack: Popular in many tech companies, Slack offers channels for team discussions, direct messages for private chats, and integrates with numerous other tools.
Microsoft Teams: A Microsoft product, Teams allows for direct messaging, group conversations, file sharing, and integration with other Office 365 tools.
Google Chat: Often used by organizations that rely on Google Workspace, Google Chat is simple to use and connects seamlessly with Google Drive and other tools.
These platforms provide a way to quickly share updates, ask questions, and stay connected with your team, even when working remotely. However, because of their immediacy and informality, chat messages should be treated with the same level of professionalism as other forms of communication.
Effective chat communication is all about being clear, concise, and respectful. Here’s how to use chat professionally in the workplace:
✅ Do’s:
Be concise and clear: Keep your messages brief and to the point. Chat is meant for quick communication, not lengthy explanations. If you need to share a lot of information, consider sending an email or scheduling a meeting.
Use greetings & sign-offs when appropriate: Even though chat is informal, a simple greeting like "Hi [Name]," and a polite sign-off like "Thanks" or "Best," can go a long way in making your communication sound more professional.
Keep tone professional & friendly: Even though you're typing quickly, be mindful of how your tone comes across. A friendly yet professional tone fosters good relationships with your coworkers. Avoid sounding too abrupt or terse, as this can create misunderstandings.
❌ Don’ts:
Avoid overusing emojis: Emojis can be fun, but overusing them in a professional setting can make your messages seem too casual or unprofessional. Use them sparingly and only when appropriate for the situation or team culture.
Don’t send unnecessary messages: If something can wait or be answered in a single message, avoid bombarding your coworkers with multiple, separate messages. Group related information into one message to respect their time.
Avoid all caps or excessive punctuation: Using all caps can come across as shouting, while excessive punctuation (e.g., "!!") can make you seem overly emotional or dramatic. Keep your tone neutral and professional.
In this activity, you'll practice transforming unprofessional chat messages into more professional and effective ones.
For each of the scenarios below, rewrite the unprofessional message. Try to improve clarity, tone, and professionalism while still keeping it concise and friendly.
Instructions:
Open a Word document. You'll write down your rewritten messages with a numbered list.
Review the unprofessional message.
Rewrite it professionally using the principles you’ve learned.
Focus on the following elements:
Clarity: Is the request or message clear and easy to understand?
Tone: Does the message sound professional, friendly, and respectful?
Conciseness: Is the message as brief as possible without losing important details?
Submit your final document as a PDF as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Example:
❌ "Stop bothering me, I’m busy!"
✅ "Hi [Name], I’m currently swamped with work. Can I get back to you later today, or would it be better to set up a time to discuss? Thanks!"
Scenarios
"Hey, u there? Need help asap!!! 😬"
"Can you do this by the end of the day or what? Lmk"
"Did you finish the report yet? I’m waiting."
"I don’t get it, can you explain it again?"
"We need to meet about this ASAP, call me."
"You didn’t respond to my last message. What’s up?"
"This is way too complicated, just fix it!"
"Can you send that over to me now?"
"Hey, I need this by tomorrow, no excuses."
"I don’t know how to do this, so you need to show me."
"What’s your problem? You always mess things up."
"I haven’t heard anything from you, are you even working?"
"I need this right now, hurry up!"
"This is so annoying, I don’t have time for this."
"You missed the meeting, why weren’t you there?"
"I can’t believe you messed this up. Figure it out!"
"This is wrong, can’t you do it right?"
"Are you ever going to finish this? It’s been days!"
"Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? Now I’m behind!"
Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways
After completing the Chat Makeover activity, reflect on these key takeaways:
Chat is a great tool for quick, informal communication, but should still maintain a professional tone.
Always be clear and concise, and remember that respect and professionalism go a long way in building positive relationships with coworkers.
If you need to communicate something more formal or detailed, consider switching to email or scheduling a meeting.
In today's workplace, email remains one of the most important forms of communication. It is often the preferred method for formal communications, such as scheduling meetings, sending reports, or making requests. However, emails can also serve as a quick and efficient tool for informal communication within your team.
The key to mastering email communication is understanding the importance of clarity, professionalism, and structure. Emails can quickly become overwhelming or unclear without the right approach, so it's crucial to learn the basic elements of an effective email.
The structure of an email is crucial to ensuring the recipient understands the message quickly and clearly. A well-structured email makes a positive impression and helps the reader find the most important information immediately.
Recipient Lines
When sending an email, you have three options for including recipients:
To: Use this for the primary audience—the person who should respond or act on the message. This could include asking a direct question or providing important details.
CC: Use this to keep someone informed but not directly involved. For example, CC your manager when updating them on a task they assigned.
BCC: Use this for large groups, to protect privacy, or to avoid email overload. It's also helpful when you want someone to see the initial message but not the replies. For instance, if your manager asked you to schedule a meeting, you could reply, “Thank you! I'll move my manager to BCC while we finalize logistics.”
Additional tips to consider:
If someone hits "reply all," will it help or distract the group? If helpful, use To/CC; if distracting, consider BCC.
Should you CC your manager for visibility? If unsure, ask them for their preference.
Subject Line
What to include: Your subject line should be clear, concise, and to the point. It needs to capture the essence of your email in a few words.
Why it matters: A well-written subject line helps the recipient prioritize your email. If the subject line is vague, your email may be overlooked or ignored.
Examples:
❌ "Meeting"
✅ "Request to Reschedule: Monday’s Marketing Meeting"
❌ "Important"
✅ "Urgent: Update on Project Deadline"
Greeting
Formal vs. Casual: Your greeting will depend on the formality of the situation. When communicating with people you don’t know well or in formal settings, opt for a professional tone.
Formal Greetings: "Dear [Name]," "Hello [Name],"
Casual Greetings: "Hi [Name],"
Why it matters: The greeting sets the tone for the rest of the email. A professional greeting shows respect and fosters a sense of politeness in your communication.
Body
Concise & Structured: The body of your email should convey your message clearly without unnecessary length. Break the information into short, digestible paragraphs.
Tip: Use bullet points or numbered lists if you have multiple points to cover. This helps the reader easily follow your message.
Avoid over-explaining or including too many details that could be shared in another form (e.g., a document).
Why it matters: A concise body improves readability and helps the recipient understand your message without feeling overwhelmed.
Closing & Signature
Formal Closures: "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Kind regards"
Casual Closures: "Best," "Thanks," "Take care"
Your signature should include your full name, position, and company information (if applicable).
Example:
Best regards,
John Doe
Marketing Manager
XYZ Company
Even the most experienced professionals make common email mistakes. Being aware of these can help you avoid misunderstandings and leave a good impression with your colleagues.
Too vague: If your subject line and message body lack specifics, the recipient may not understand the purpose of the email.
Example:
❌ Subject: "Update"
✅ Subject: "Update on Marketing Project Deadline"
Too long: Avoid overwhelming your recipient with unnecessary details. If the information can be shortened without losing meaning, do it! When sending a message, consider how many emails, messages, and tasks the recipient is juggling. Keep your message concise yet informative—share all necessary details without extra fluff. Ask yourself: Can anything be trimmed?
If you're asking a question, make it easy to answer in one word. Instead of, "What do you think?" try, "Would you prefer option A or B?" or, "Which works best—A, B, or C?"
Example:
❌ "I wanted to reach out to you to inform you about the recent changes that have occurred in the department. As we were discussing in our previous meeting..."
✅ "I’m following up on the recent changes discussed in our last meeting. Please review the updated report attached."
Missing details: Failing to provide all the necessary information or attachments can lead to confusion and delay.
Example:
❌ "Please let me know if you have any questions."
✅ "Please let me know if you need additional information regarding the attached report."
The tone of your email should match the level of formality required by the context.
Formal Tone: Use a formal tone when communicating with clients, higher-ups, or in situations that require professionalism.
Example:
Formal: "Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to inquire about the status of the quarterly report. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]"
Casual Tone: When communicating with teammates or colleagues you work closely with, a more relaxed tone may be appropriate.
Example:
Casual: "Hey, just wanted to check in and see how things are going with the project. Let me know if you need anything from me.
Cheers,
[Your Name]"
Instructions: Below are 10 email scenarios. Read the description and write a clear, specific subject line for each email. Aim to convey the purpose of the email in a professional and concise way. Save these in a Microsoft Word document. You will upload this document as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Scenarios:
You need to reschedule a meeting with your team next Monday. The team had planned to discuss the upcoming product launch, but there’s a conflict with your schedule.
You’re writing to your manager to inform them that you’ve completed a project ahead of schedule and attached the final report for their review.
You’re asking a coworker for feedback on the presentation you’ve prepared for an upcoming client meeting.
You need to notify a colleague that the deadline for their task has been moved up by two days.
You are following up with a client about an invoice that has not been paid yet, which was due last week.
You’re reminding your team to submit their reports for the weekly meeting tomorrow.
You need to inform a team member that their request for additional resources has been approved, but there are new guidelines to follow.
You’re notifying your manager that you’ll be out of the office for the rest of the week due to a personal matter.
You’re inviting a coworker to a brainstorming session about an upcoming product feature you’re developing.
You are sending an update to your team about the progress of a long-term project, including any roadblocks.
In the workplace, email is one of the most important tools for communication. It helps convey information, requests, and feedback efficiently. Crafting professional, clear, and concise emails is essential for effective communication with coworkers, managers, clients, and others. This module will help you develop your email-writing skills and improve your ability to communicate in various professional scenarios.
In this activity, you will be given several poorly written emails. Your job is to revise each email to make it more professional, clear, and concise. You may need to make up the details in order to make the emails more clear. Consider the following key elements as you rewrite:
Subject Line: Make sure it is specific and clear about the content of the email.
Greeting: Use an appropriate greeting based on the context (formal or casual).
Body: Organize the content of the email clearly, keeping it concise and focused.
Tone: Maintain a polite and professional tone, avoiding overly casual language.
Closing: Always end your email with a polite closing and a professional signature.
Save your rewrites in a Microsoft Word document. You will upload this as part of your self-evlaution.
Email 1: Request for Time Off
Subject: "Time off"
Body:
"Hey, I need to take some time off next week. Can I get the day off on Friday? Let me know, thanks."
Email 2: Asking for Help with a Project
Subject: "Need Help"
Body:
"Hi, I need help with this project I'm working on. I don't understand the task, and I’m kind of stuck. Can you help me? Thanks!"
Email 3: Following Up on a Task
Subject: "Task"
Body:
"Hey, I was just checking in on that task I assigned to you last week. It’s been a few days, and I still haven’t heard back. Let me know if you’re done with it yet."
Email 4: Request for Feedback
Subject: "Feedback"
Body:
"Hi, I was wondering if you could give me feedback on my recent work. I’d really appreciate it if you could just tell me what I did right and what I did wrong."
Email 5: Confirming a Meeting
Subject: "Meeting Confirm?"
Body:
"Hey, are we still on for the meeting tomorrow? Let me know if anything changes."
Now that you’ve practiced improving others’ emails, it’s time to write your own. Below are three real-world prompts. Choose one prompt and write an email based on the scenario. Make sure your email includes the following:
Clear and specific subject line
Professional greeting and closing
Concise, structured body
Professional tone appropriate for the context
Save your emails in the same Microsoft Word as Activity 1. You will upload this as part of your self-evlaution.
Prompts:
Requesting Time Off: Write an email to your manager requesting time off for an upcoming personal event or appointment. Be clear about the dates and provide any necessary details to help your manager make an informed decision.
Following Up on a Deadline: You have a project deadline coming up, but you need to follow up with a colleague to ensure they will meet their part of the deadline. Be polite but firm in reminding them of the approaching deadline and any details they need to address.
Asking for Feedback: Write an email to your manager or supervisor asking for feedback on a project you recently completed. Be specific about the areas in which you’d like feedback and how it will help you improve.
Requesting a Meeting: Write an email to your manager or colleague requesting a meeting to discuss a project, a concern, or an idea. Be clear about the purpose of the meeting, provide a few options for times, and be polite in your request.
Offering Assistance: Write an email to a team member offering your help with a task or project they're working on. Be specific about how you can assist, and be polite and encouraging in your tone. Make sure to offer support without imposing.
Meetings are a common part of workplace communication, but it’s important to know when a meeting is truly necessary. In this module, we’ll cover how to determine when a meeting is essential and how to craft a professional meeting invitation that sets clear expectations for your attendees. This skill will help you save time and ensure that meetings are productive.
When a Meeting Is and Isn’t Necessary
Meetings are useful for:
Collaborative decision-making
Discussing complex topics that require real-time feedback
Aligning teams and ensuring everyone is on the same page
Brainstorming ideas or solving problems collectively
When to Avoid a Meeting:
If the discussion can be handled via email
If it’s a one-person task or can be solved without group input
When the issue is simple or doesn’t require real-time discussion
If key information can be found elsewhere (documents, shared drives, etc.)
Writing a Clear, Concise Meeting Invitation
When you decide a meeting is necessary, crafting a professional invitation is important to ensure clarity and preparation for everyone involved.
Key Elements of a Professional Meeting Invitation:
Subject Line: Clearly state the purpose of the meeting. Example: “Team Sync on Upcoming Deadlines”
Purpose: Clearly describe the reason for the meeting. Keep it concise but informative. Example: “Discuss Q3 Project Deadlines.”
Agenda: Include a bullet-point agenda with the main topics you’ll cover.
Example:
Progress Updates
Roadblocks
Next Steps
Proposing Times: If you’re not sure of availability, suggest a few time options or use a scheduling assistant to coordinate available slots.
Meeting Duration: Indicate how long the meeting will last so participants can plan accordingly.
Using Scheduling Assistant
If you use tools like Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar, the Scheduling Assistant allows you to check the availability of all participants before sending out an invite. This is helpful to ensure everyone can attend and avoids any scheduling conflicts.
Pro Tip: If the meeting is urgent or unexpected, it’s better to reach out first to ask if the participants are available, rather than sending an automatic invite right away. This shows consideration for their time.
Watch the video below for more information on creating meetings using Outlook and Google.
When sending a meeting invite, always include an agenda. This helps attendees understand the purpose of the meeting and prepare accordingly. It also gives the meeting a structured flow and helps you stay on track during the discussion.
Example Agenda:
1. Progress Updates: Each team member shares current status
2. Roadblocks: Discuss any issues preventing progress
3. Next Steps: Outline the action items moving forward
Now, it’s time to practice writing a meeting invitation! Below are the details for a meeting, and your task is to draft a professional meeting invitation. Make sure you include all the elements we've discussed: subject, purpose, agenda, and any other key details. Write these for both scenarios below in a Microsoft Word document. You'll upload this as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Scenario 1:
You need to schedule a meeting with your project team to discuss upcoming Q3 deadlines. You’ve decided that Thursday at 2 PM is a good time, but you want to make sure that everyone can attend. Use your email or calendar tool to write a professional meeting invitation. Make sure the subject line is clear and the agenda is included.
Scenario 2:
You’ve been asked to meet with a colleague about a report that’s overdue. They’ve asked for a quick discussion to review the report and set new deadlines. You suggest Tuesday at 10 AM or Thursday at 11 AM, but you want to check which of those options works best for them. Write a professional meeting invitation including the purpose of the meeting, a clear agenda, and your suggested times.
Tips to Remember:
Keep the subject line simple and informative
Be polite when proposing times and confirming availability
Include a clear agenda to set expectations
Give participants enough time to prepare
Written communication—especially in chat and email—can sometimes lead to misunderstandings due to a lack of tone, facial expressions, and body language. Knowing how to respond to difficult messages effectively can help:
Prevent unnecessary conflict
Maintain positive work relationships
Keep projects on track
Build a professional reputation
When Someone Is Upset or Unclear
When a message seems angry, frustrated, or vague, it’s important to stay calm and approach the conversation professionally.
Best Practices:
Acknowledge their concern: Show empathy without escalating the situation.
Stay neutral: Avoid emotional responses or defensive language.
Seek clarification: Ask polite follow-up questions to understand the issue.
What Not to Do:
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s not my problem.”
“You didn’t explain it well. Can you rewrite your message?”
Better Responses:
“I understand this situation may be frustrating. I want to help—can you clarify what’s happening so we can find a solution?”
“I see what you’re saying. Just to make sure I fully understand, are you asking about [specific issue]?”
Diffusing Tension in Chat & Email
Sometimes, misunderstandings happen because text-based communication lacks tone. The best way to handle a tense situation is to remain neutral and solutions-focused.
Best Practices:
Don’t assume tone: Read the message twice before reacting. The person might not be upset—it may just be a short or unclear message.
Avoid defensive or passive-aggressive responses: Keep your tone professional and calm.
Offer solutions: Instead of assigning blame, focus on resolving the issue.
What Not to Do:
“Why are you being so aggressive? It’s not my fault.”
“I already sent that email, so I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Better Responses:
“Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Let’s work together to find a solution—can you provide more details?”
“I understand your concern. Let’s look into it together. Can you share any specific examples to help me address it?”
Asking for Clarification Professionally
When a message is unclear, how you ask for clarification can determine whether the conversation remains positive or becomes frustrating.
Best Practices:
Be direct but polite: Avoid phrases that may sound like blame.
Rephrase for confirmation: Summarize what you understood and ask if you got it right.
Use “I” statements: Keep the focus on clarifying information, not the other person’s mistake.
What Not to Do:
“This doesn’t make sense. Can you explain better?”
“I don’t understand what you mean. Rewrite it.”
Better Responses:
“Just to confirm, are you asking about the deadline for the project next week?”
“I want to make sure I understand correctly—are you saying that we should move forward with option A instead of option B?”
Open a Microsoft Word document and list each scenario. Write your response to each scenario. You will upload this document as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Scenario 1: A coworker sends an unclear email.
Example Email: "Hey, we need to adjust the report. Can you make the changes and send it back?"
How would you respond professionally to ask for clarification?
Scenario 2: A team member didn’t deliver their work on time.
Example Email: "Hey, I haven’t gotten your part of the report yet. What’s going on?"
How would you respond professionally to follow up?
Scenario 3: A colleague sends a frustrated message.
Example Chat Message: "I don’t understand why this keeps happening. This is so frustrating!"
How would you respond to keep the conversation professional?
Scenario 4: Handling Negative Feedback From a Manager
Your manager sends you an email with critical feedback about a recent project. The tone feels harsh, and you disagree with some of the points. Write a professional response that acknowledges their concerns while clarifying your perspective without sounding defensive.
Example Email: I just reviewed your work on the project, and I have to say I’m disappointed. There were several issues, and I don’t think this met the level of quality we expect. This will need significant revisions, and I need you to ensure this doesn’t happen again in future projects. Let me know how you plan to address these concerns.
Write your response.
Scenario 5: Dealing with a Passive-Aggressive Comment
Example Group Chat Message: I guess I'll just have to redo this myself since no one else is taking responsibility.
Respond in a way that addresses the frustration but keeps the conversation professional and solution-focused.
Scenario 6: Pushing Back on Unrealistic Deadline
A colleague emails you asking for a task to be completed by the end of the day, but you already have a full workload.
Example Email: Can you get this done by the end of the day? It’s really important, and I need it ASAP. Let me know when you can send it over.
Write a response that sets clear expectations, offers alternatives, and maintains professionalism.
As a BYU-Pathway student, you represent the school's mission—to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. In the context of remote work, communication becomes a vital tool in fulfilling this mission. Your words, whether spoken in a video meeting, typed in an email, or shared in a chat, have the power to reflect the values of kindness, respect, and integrity that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. How you communicate in a remote environment not only affects your professional relationships but also serves as a testimony of your character and your commitment to living the principles of the gospel. By being mindful of your communication, you can create an atmosphere that invites the Spirit, fosters collaboration, and represents the love and teachings of Jesus Christ in all that you do.
Read, watch, or listen to Elder Robert S. Wood's talk, "The Tongue of Angels." Then answer the following reflection questions in a Word document. You will upload this as part of this week's self-evaluation.
Reflection Questions
How do your words reflect your inner self?
How can you improve the way you communicate digitally to better reflect the values you aspire to live?
What is an example you have seen of remote communication (emails, chat, video chat), have built up or torn down relationships with coworkers or peers? How did it impact the situation? How could it have been handled differently?
In remote work, miscommunication can often occur due to the lack of non-verbal cues. How can you ensure that your language and communication style in emails, chat messages, or virtual meetings align with the principles of kindness, respect, and reverence?
As a BYU-Pathway student, you may have already learned some important elements of communication. If you haven't already learned about this, you will learn more in upcoming PathwayConnect lessons. Please review the following guides available in the BYU-Pathway resource center. Plan to spend around one hour and fifteen minutes reviewing these resources. You will report your completion of this review as part of this week's self-evaluation.
You have reached the end of this module!