🏛️ Operating Principles

1️⃣ Be respectful.

This is the bases for all interaction between Togglers, no matter what. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we never speak poorly of one another, not even behind closed doors.

2️⃣ Share early and often

To keep people informed and able to help, we have to resist the urge to keep things to ourselves until they are final. Openly sharing progress builds trust and prevents micromanagement. ****Share that update, release that staging version, and ask for feedback even before you think you are ready for it.

3️⃣ Be clear & straightforward

Always speak plainly and clearly. Watch out for lingo, assumptions, exaggeration, or other things that get in the way of a straightforward explanation. Don't use seven words when five will do.

4️⃣ Write it down

All work-related information should be communicated clearly in written form. If information is shared during video calls, make sure to document conclusions in written form afterwards.

5️⃣ Always assume the best intentions in other people’s messages

Written communication might sometimes be limiting because we are missing the non-verbal part of it. If you have a feeling the person you are communicating with has bad intentions, do not make conclusions right away, but take OWNERSHIP and try to ask for clarifications from that person.

6️⃣ Learn to listen

When it's your turn to listen during the conversation, don’t spend the time planning what to say next. You can't rehearse and listen at the same time. Think only about what the other person is saying.

7️⃣ Align your words and deeds

There can’t be a gap between what you communicate with what you do. Don't make promises that you can't keep.

8️⃣ Keep cultural differences in mind

Different cultures communicate differently. Since Togglers are spread across the globe, keep in mind our [communication styles differ based on the country we come from](https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/cultural-differences-in-communication/#:~:text=out this article.-,What are cultural differences in communication%3F,differences in their respective cultures.). Multicultural teams need low-context communication with lots of summarizing, recapping and addressing any confusion before it becomes a misunderstanding.

9️⃣ Don't engage in unnecessary or unproductive arguments

There is a difference between healthy debate and unproductive arguments. Learn to distinguish these two and be sure to be part of productive conflicts only.