Introduction
The video you're watching right now is already a great example of asynchronous communication.
You watch it at a time you chose. Maybe in the morning, inside a protected calendar block, maybe between two meetings, or when your attention was available.
On our side, we recorded it alongside all the others. Nobody interrupted anyone. Everyone chose their moment.
That's exactly what asynchronous communication is.
Asynchronous vs synchronous communication
Asynchronous communication lets people avoid replying immediately.
That's the case with email, comments on documents, voice messages, and even some recorded videos. You receive the information, and you decide when you respond.
On the other hand, synchronous communication is real-time exchange: in-person conversations, phone calls, and above all instant messaging.
Even if, technically, you could reply later to a chat message, there is a strong implicit rule: if someone messages you on chat, they expect a quick response. And when you receive a message, you feel pressured to answer right away.
That's exactly what makes instant messaging a huge interruption factor, as we saw in instant messaging: friend or foe.
Why synchronous communication is the enemy of focus
Every synchronous ping interrupts you.
It breaks your plan, it breaks your focus, and it sometimes pulls you out of a complex task you were executing in one continuous sequence, which goes directly against Carlson's law.
That doesn't mean you should ban phones or chat entirely. It simply means learning to use them with discernment.
The three cases where synchronous makes sense
In our view, there are only three situations where synchronous communication is truly relevant.
First, when the topic is too complex to handle in writing. If you exchange more than three emails on the same subject, it's often a sign that a live conversation would be more efficient. In that case, scheduling a call is always better than an unplanned call.
Second, when you need to convey emotion. Congratulating someone, announcing a sensitive decision, or handling a delicate moment often lands better by voice than in writing.
Third, real urgency. Critical incidents, major blockers, situations where waiting isn't an option.
Outside of those cases, synchronous is rarely the best solution.
Pick up or not: regain control
When your phone rings or a call comes in, you have no moral obligation to answer.
In most cases, if someone calls you without warning, it's because it's more convenient for them, not necessarily for you.
If you're focused, answering serves them but costs you: your attention, your time, your energy.
So you can consciously decide not to answer, especially if the call wasn't scheduled. It's the exact same logic explained in create your focus bubble.
Encourage others to communicate asynchronously
A simple strategy is to update your voicemail message.
For example, explain that you don't always answer calls, that you don't systematically listen to voicemails, but that you reply quickly to written messages.
This has two major advantages.
First, if you need to decline a request, it's often easier in writing than on the phone because emotional pressure is lower.
Second, if a call is truly necessary, you receive context ahead of time. You can prepare your response and avoid saying yes too fast, then regretting it.
The strengths of asynchronous communication
Asynchronous communication generally leads to more thoughtful, structured answers.
A well-written email is often clearer than an improvised conversation. A comment on a document leaves a trace. A written decision can be reread months later.
It also reduces the volume of interruptions, complementing strategies like remove notifications or resisting temptations.
Finally, writing makes knowledge sharing easier. An exchange can be forwarded, documented, and used as a reference.
Choose consciously instead of reacting
The fundamental principle is simple.
If you accept synchronous communication, it should always be a conscious choice, never a default reflex.
Otherwise, you risk spending your days responding to other people's requests at the expense of your own priorities.
And at the end, you'll have worked all day without truly moving forward on what matters.
Go further
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