With technological advances, speed has become both a necessity and a competitive advantage in the corporate world. But for agility to truly be beneficial, it must come with clarity and, above all, communication.

Instant messages sent via apps or platforms can create the illusion of alignment. However, they often act only as automatic triggers for incomplete information. Without context or detail, these messages risk being misunderstood, leading to outcomes that are the opposite of what was intended.

To engage and inform employees effectively, messaging needs to include context: what is being communicated, why it matters, and to whom it’s directed. Like any dialogue, communication is a two-way street, in which the sender must convey complete information so the receiver can interpret it correctly and take the appropriate action.

Another key factor is the strategy used to deliver information. As instant messaging becomes more ingrained in workplace routines, it becomes harder to distinguish what’s urgent and what’s not. When multiple issues and demands pile up, it becomes harder to gauge their actual relevance. Over time, this habit erodes team communication, ultimately affecting the quality of the work.

To ensure alignment is strategic and efficient, it should meet a few essential criteria:

• Be delivered through an official channel
• Include complete, clear information to minimize noise
• Allow space for questions and feedback from recipients
• Occur at key moments

It’s important to remember that message and alignment don’t always travel the same path. Communication must be thoughtfully planned and well-organized to avoid misinterpretation and deliver messages thoughtfully so that employees can focus and perform at their best.