{"id":1360,"date":"2021-11-29T13:01:29","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T13:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/?p=1360"},"modified":"2025-10-15T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T00:00:00","slug":"lateral-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/lateral-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Lateral Communication: What It Is, Why It\u2019s Useful, and How to Improve It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You probably think of communication in a company as something that flows from the top downward \u2014 i.e., from the CEO, through VPs and managers, to staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s vertical <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/downward-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">downward communication<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what many high-performing, agile companies rely on \u2014 and secretly lean into \u2014 is lateral communication. <strong>Lateral communication refers to conversations, coordination, and information flowing <\/strong><strong><em>across<\/em><\/strong><strong> teams, not just up or down.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lateral communication most prominently impacts innovation, speed, and operational fluidity. When marketing, product, support, and design can talk directly \u2014 without every request going through a manager \u2014 ideas move faster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, vertical is necessary, but lateral communication is what makes your company feel alive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Define lateral communication and contrast it with vertical forms,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break down the real costs of silos,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unpack the biggest barriers to lateral communication,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Map out a step-by-step playbook, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show how the right tools can make or break your strategy.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lateral-Communication-cover\" class=\"wp-image-20152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1-1110x555.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lateral-Communication-cover-1-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-lateral-communication\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is lateral communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lateral communication (sometimes called horizontal communication) refers to interactions between peers or teams on the same hierarchical level<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/formal-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">formal<\/a> (e.g., cross-team project meetings) or informal (e.g., a quick chat or a thread in a team communication app).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s often missed is how different it is from vertical types of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at the comparison table below illustrating the 3 types of communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Features<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Lateral<\/strong><br><strong>communication&nbsp;<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Downward<\/strong><br><strong>communication&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Upward<\/strong><br><strong>communication&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Direction&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Between employees on the same hierarchical level&nbsp;<\/td><td>From superiors to subordinates<\/td><td>From subordinates to superiors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nature&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Collaborative&nbsp;<\/td><td>Directive&nbsp;<\/td><td>Participative<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Purpose&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>To obtain information, exchange ideas, achieve common goals, solve problems, etc.&nbsp;<\/td><td>To give orders, provide instructions, prescribe guidelines, assign responsibilities, inform etc.&nbsp;<\/td><td>To provide ideas, give feedback, make complaints, offer suggestions, etc.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Frequent&nbsp;<\/td><td>Frequent<\/td><td>Usually frequent<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Speed&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td>Fast&nbsp;<\/td><td>Fast&nbsp;<\/td><td>Slow<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Effectiveness<\/strong><\/td><td>Immediate&nbsp;<\/td><td>Usually immediate<\/td><td>Usually limited<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/upward-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">upward<\/a> or downward communication, lateral communication often implies a quicker, more immediate exchange \u2014 in addition to often being more efficient than the other two.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lateral communication also often involves a less formal style than vertical communication types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While vertical communication is critical, as it sets vision, channels feedback, and keeps structure intact, lateral communication is where the work actually happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When lateral communication is working, teams:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify issues early,&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Align quickly without waiting for directives,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share knowledge<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inspire innovation by sharing perspectives<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Strong lateral communication makes you more competitive as an organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about another major communication type that combines vertical and lateral forms, be sure to check our guide on the blog:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/diagonal-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diagonal Communication: Definitions, Pros, Cons, and Tips<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Connect with your team on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-high-cost-of-silos-the-tangible-effects-of-poor-lateral-communication\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The high cost of silos: The tangible effects of poor lateral communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your teams are just <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/break-down-team-silos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">coexisting in silos<\/a>, rather than collaborating, you\u2019ll feel it in your bottom line and in your culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what\u2019s at stake:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lost productivity and duplicated work<\/strong>. When Marketing doesn\u2019t talk to Sales, for example, they might both work on separate campaigns for the same customer segment. When Dev doesn\u2019t communicate with Ops, you may build features nobody supports. In fact, the <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/communication-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">latest workplace communication statistics<\/a> show that, according to 40% of leaders, poor communication decreases productivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Delays and misalignment<\/strong>. Projects get held up waiting for cross-team input. Critical decisions get revisited several times because information was siloed. If you\u2019ve ever had a simple question for another team and felt like you needed to file a request form and wait a week for a response, you know what we\u2019re talking about.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lower morale and burnout<\/strong>. Similarly to the previous point, having to chase 3 people just to get one simple answer drains energy, breeds frustration, and can turn good talent into a flight risk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced opportunities for innovation<\/strong>. When your teams don\u2019t talk, you lose those moments where great <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/brainstorming-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ideas are brainstormed<\/a>. If your teams rely on email, it often reinforces silos \u2014 the right people are never CC\u2019d, threads fracture, and context gets lost.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Loss of trust<\/strong>. Over time, teams start to view one another as competitors who keep secrets from each other, rather than partners working toward the same goal. When no one wants to share their resources, that\u2019s the fastest way to turn internal collaboration into competition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you let <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/resources\/working-in-silos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">departmental silos<\/a> stand, you\u2019re basically leaving value on the table. The outcome? Stagnation, friction, and an organization that can\u2019t scale.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-light pumble-gradient-templates\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Empower lateral communication<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Discuss, share &amp; collaborate in Pumble, a cross-functional communication app.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-lateral-communication-breaks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why lateral communication breaks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you go about <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/crisis-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fixing this looming crisis<\/a>, you have to diagnose it first.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the most common barriers blocking peer-to-peer <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/corporate-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">corporate communication<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conflicting goals &amp; incentives. <\/strong>If each department is judged solely by its internal KPIs, there\u2019s little motivation to collaborate. For example, Marketing might be focused on top-of-funnel numbers, while Sales might care about closed deals. Their goals may overlap, or worse \u2014 contradict.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internal competition and territoriality<\/strong>. Teams may guard their domain, hoard information, or resist overlapping efforts. When people overly guard their territories, it kills trust and stops a healthy communication flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of shared context or language<\/strong>. Different teams often speak different languages. But, without a shared language or context, messages get misinterpreted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrong tools or fragmented communication<\/strong>. Using email, multiple chat apps, or spreadsheets leads to silos. When tools are not cohesive, people don\u2019t know where to go for information, so it gets scattered and crucial context disappears.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of safe spaces or organizational norms<\/strong>. If employees fear stepping on someone\u2019s toes or being seen as insubordinate, they won\u2019t speak up when they have something valuable to contribute. Without <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/communicate-expectations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clear expectations<\/a> and psychological safety, people revert to staying in their lane.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-transparent leadership behavior<\/strong>. When leaders continually operate in silos, micromanage, or fail to model <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/collaboration\/cross-functional-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cross-team collaboration<\/a>, they communicate that it\u2019s not safe to cross those boundaries. A leader can <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/change-communications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">enforce change<\/a> and talk about the new strategy \u2018till the cows come home, unless they role model the desired behavior, employees won\u2019t know how to follow.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor onboarding<\/strong>. Silos are often baked in from day one, as new hires absorb how your teams communicate (or don\u2019t). If onboarding reinforces boundaries, new employees adopt the silo mindset from the start.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to work on improving your lateral communication, you have to address each barrier directly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"8-actionable-strategies-to-foster-effective-lateral-communication\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8 Actionable strategies to foster effective lateral communication&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a step-by-step guide you can use to build a cross-functional communication culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-start-with-alignment-define-shared-goals-and-kpis-across-teams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 Start with alignment: Define shared goals and KPIs across teams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First things first, work on creating <strong>joint objectives that span departments<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, this could mean you have Marketing and Sales collaborate on managing leads. Or, you can guide Product and Support to work together on customer experience metrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever route you decide to take, be sure to <strong>make those cross-functional goals visible. <\/strong>Shared dashboards and OKRs are great to foster <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/tip\/2024\/02\/align-your-team-around-a-common-vision-of-success\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">team alignment<\/a> and motivate people to work and communicate together successfully across teams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way you can inspire collaboration is to <strong>reward team effort and wins<\/strong>, not just departmental effort and wins. This creates a sense of camaraderie and shared celebration that spans departmental boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-set-up-cross-functional-teams-and-projects\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Set up cross-functional teams and projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The only way you\u2019re actually going to make different teams normalize daily lateral communication is if you make it a natural and inescapable part of their work process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For big initiatives such as product launches, campaigns, and process improvements, you can <strong>create mixed teams<\/strong> with representatives from relevant departments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To establish a flat hierarchy and speed up decision making, give team members:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Autonomy,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shared authority, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clearly defined decision-making rights.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rotate members periodically to build bridges between departments and expand exposure for all team members. Ensure increased involvement and engagement by inviting employees to participate in these shared projects, gradually weaving this practice into the <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/organizational-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">organizational communication<\/a> and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, to streamline communication within these mixed teams and make it effortless and fast, you can use user groups in Pumble, a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/team-collaboration-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">team collaboration software<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This feature lets you immediately communicate with larger groups inside your teams. So, your mixed team members may be scattered across several different channels, and user groups enable you to immediately reach all of them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1907\" height=\"1409\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Using user groups in Pumble to foster cross-functional collaboration\" class=\"wp-image-20118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble.png 1907w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble-406x300.png 406w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble-1110x820.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble-768x567.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble-1536x1135.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/User-groups-in-Pumble-16x12.png 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1907px) 100vw, 1907px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Using <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/user-groups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">user groups<\/a> in Pumble to foster cross-functional collaboration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use Pumble to strengthen lateral communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-design-structured-interaction-practice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Design structured interaction practice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve normalized lateral communication in your teams, now comes the easier part of making it a regular practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tested and proven ways you can achieve this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good-old <strong>weekly or biweekly sync meetings<\/strong> among departmental leads or relevant stakeholders are always a great way to make it a routine to stay in the loop and bounce ideas off each other. These regular check-ins help break down silos and keep everyone on the same page without things slipping through the cracks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, you can advocate <strong>shared work reviews<\/strong>. Be mindful to pair complementary teams that can meaningfully impact each others\u2019 work output.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Support can show customer feedback to Product to help them better understand the user perspective and expectations for the upcoming period, as illustrated in the screenshot from <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pumble<\/a> below. Therefore, this practice not only helps improve the quality of your responses, but it also makes the two teams realize the importance of their regular communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support.png\" alt=\"An example of customer support and product teams collaborating in Pumble\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-20119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support-338x300.png 338w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support-1110x986.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support-768x682.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/product_support-14x12.png 14w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An example of customer support and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/teams\/product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">product teams<\/a> collaborating in Pumble\u00a0by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Create <strong>open office hours<\/strong>. Let teams drop into each other\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/channels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">channels<\/a> and Q&amp;A sessions to ask clarifying questions about each other\u2019s work that in some way overlaps with their own. For example, Sales can crash Marketing\u2019s sessions discussing funnel metrics, or the Copywriting team can join the Product team channel to learn more about the new features they need to cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Make cross-department communication a breeze with Pumble<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-encourage-informal-social-interactions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Encourage informal social interactions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019ve covered all the formal ways you can make people interact across teams, it\u2019s time to add some fun to the process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduce and encourage virtual or in-person watercooler chats. Either in your #random channel or one created specifically for these interactions, organize quick <strong>coffee get-togethers featuring random pairings across departments<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These could be thematic <strong>\u201clunch-and-learn\u201d type of sessions<\/strong>, or you can let your teams create new topics and formats for each of their shared interests. Anything goes as long as it keeps the cross-team conversation alive, and, of course, follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/planning-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">internal workplace communication plan<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can provide a blueprint by setting up <strong>channels for non-work conversations across teams <\/strong>in your <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/internal-communication-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">internal communication software<\/a> (e.g. #watercooler, #books, #tv_and_movies).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1442\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-scaled.png\" alt=\"Non-work conversations across teams in Pumble\" class=\"wp-image-20120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-1110x625.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-2048x1153.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Non-work-conversations-across-teams-in-Pumble-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Non-work conversations across teams in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"5-level-the-playing-field-with-communication-norms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 Level the playing field with communication norms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one thing to make people understand why it\u2019s important to keep the lines of communication open across teams, and a completely different one to make them feel comfortable actually taking part in these conversations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing you can do is define <strong>shared communication rules. <\/strong>Make it a point to write a list of pointers concerning the preferable style and timing of these conversations. Also, be sure to highlight some guidelines on who to loop in for what.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Insist on people using <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/assertive-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>assertive language<\/strong><\/a>. Vague hints simply don\u2019t work in lateral communication when employees aren\u2019t familiar with each other&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/communication-styles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication styles<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, start sentences with \u201c<em>I noticed\u2026<\/em>\u201d or \u201c<em>Can we\u2026?<\/em>\u201d to be able to quickly and directly get to the point and avoid any potential misinterpretation. This is especially significant in written communication, as it is more prone to misreading.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Assertive communication in Pumble\u00a0\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-20121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble-1110x624.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Assertive-communication-in-Pumble-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assertive communication in Pumble&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In line with the previous points,<strong> encourage plain language<\/strong> when going across teams. Instruct teams to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/industry-jargon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">avoid jargon and technical terms<\/a> other teams may not be well-versed at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about how to be a stickler for clarity and effective communication, read our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/effective-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Is Effective Communication? Definition, Examples, and 13 Steps to Improve It<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"6-choose-the-right-communication-tool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 Choose the right communication tool&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even when team members are good communicators, if the platform they use isn\u2019t up to par, effective communication is close to impossible. This is why it\u2019s paramount to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/pumble-as-email-alternative\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">choose the right email alternative <\/a>&nbsp;to help your teams get on the same page.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can<strong> start by limiting email chains<\/strong>. Let\u2019s face it \u2014 sifting through email threads is not doing anyone a service. Your team wastes a lot of time, and oftentimes, a lot of important info goes missing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t always get rid of emails entirely, but you can switch to your internal communication app as a more functional and flexible upgrade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Real-time or asynchronous <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/team-communication-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication platforms like Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com let you communicate effectively by adding context to specific points and messages.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Organize <strong>discussions around specific projects or topics <\/strong>in Pumble channels,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/direct-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>DMs<\/strong><\/a><strong> for quick 1:1 discussions,<\/strong> instead of writing long-winded emails,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Go deeper on a specific point in threads<\/strong>, instead of adding another sequence of emails,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Record and share <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/video-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video messages<\/a> to provide visual context and efficiently share updates, and&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/document-sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Share<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/help\/using-pumble\/messages\/pin-messages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pin<\/a> relevant resources in channels to <strong>keep the context visible and accessible<\/strong> at all times.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication.png\" alt=\"Pumble streamlines your lateral communication\" class=\"wp-image-20122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication-409x300.png 409w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication-1110x814.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication-768x563.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/pumble-streamlines-your-lateral-communication-16x12.png 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pumble streamlines your lateral communication<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Finally, to drive these practices home, make sure to train and encourage people to document decisions and key conversations so they\u2019re visible and discoverable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, a powerful tool like Pumble \u2014 that lets you keep all records of all conversations and files \u2014 is a valuable resource here, serving as your team\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/hq-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital collaboration hub<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Work from Pumble \u2014 your team\u2019s alignment hub<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"7-pilot-measure-iterate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 Pilot, measure, iterate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be thinking that incorporating a company-wide lateral communication strategy might be too overwhelming for everyone involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that case, it\u2019s better to first launch lateral communication as a pilot in one area and test the waters first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use this experiment to assess your processes and procedures. One of the most effective ways to test out the success of your communication strategy is to go directly to the source, or the subjects themselves \u2014 i.e., <strong>survey participants to find out if interactions improved and if they\u2019re more aligned<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Check your teams\u2019 pulse using polls in Pumble\" class=\"wp-image-20123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble-533x300.png 533w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble-1110x625.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/polls-in-Pumble-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Check your teams\u2019 pulse using <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/help\/integrations\/communication-collaboration-tools\/polls-integration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">polls in Pumble<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Numbers are another great indicator of success. To that end, you can track metrics such as time-to-decision, overlap in work, duplicated tasks, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/remote-constructive-feedback\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee feedback<\/a>, and see where you\u2019re winning and what needs improvement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, consider assessing the efficiency of communication channels and tools, as well as the willingness of teammates to collaborate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Communications strategist we spoke with, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/emmalindgrenab\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Emma Lindgren<\/a>, shares the same perspective on the importance of collecting data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren.jpeg\" alt=\"Emma Lindgren\" class=\"wp-image-20124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-12x12.jpeg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c<em>You need to measure to be able to improve. Keep track, and let data help you understand the collaboration climate internally.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, using these findings will help you pinpoint areas where you need to refine the approach, before you can roll it out company wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1 PUMBLE PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn how to make the most of feedback in the workplace, check out our guide on the blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/feedback-vs-feedforward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Feedback vs Feedforward: Moving From Feedback to Feedforward<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"8-role-model-as-leadership\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 Role model as leadership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019re setting all of these strategies in motion, don\u2019t forget to role model the behavior you want to see in your organization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oftentimes, we hear leaders preaching about the right way to communicate across teams, but they rarely do so themselves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, according to Emma Lindgren, leaders play a pivotal role in the way lateral communication and collaboration are formed within an organization:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren.jpeg\" alt=\"Emma Lindgren\" class=\"wp-image-20124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Emma-Lindgren-12x12.jpeg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cManagement teams and senior leaders need to role model behavior linked to collaboration with other teams and departments rather than building isolated teams.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, to lead the way for your teams, you need to embed cross-team communication into your <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/executive-communications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication as an executive<\/a> and actively open the doors towards collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a leader, your job is to pioneer:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crossing into other teams,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosting mixed-functional reviews,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing roadmaps across the organization, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging upward communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put together, this 7-step approach combines your organizational units into larger collaboration intersections where information flows, trust develops, and strategy gets shaped by multiple perspectives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-landing-3\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Lateral communication made easy<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Empower your cross-functional collaboration in real time. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-bottom \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-right-infrastructure-for-a-silo-free-culture-how-your-tools-can-help-or-hurt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The right infrastructure for a silo-free culture: How your tools can help (or hurt)&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A great strategy needs the right environment \u2014 otherwise, even the best intentions collapse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In previous sections, we\u2019ve sneaked a little peek into how Pumble by CAKE.com can help shift your culture towards cross-functional teamwork.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, we\u2019ll get a more detailed look into how collaboration tools \u2014 if built the right way \u2014 can help break down silos.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Old tools tend to build silos:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Email chains split off in many directions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple communication apps silo conversations behind closed doors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shared drives block visibility.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fragmented tools and systems mean you never know where the collaboration is happening.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Those tools reinforce silos \u2014 they scatter context and hide conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, a communication platform built with cross-team visibility integrated becomes the basis of lateral communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how Pumble is designed to support a silo-free culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Break down team silos with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"default-public-channels-equals-transparency-from-the-start\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Default public channels equals transparency from the start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transparency breeds trust and a greater sense of working towards a common goal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making all your Pumble channels public by default <strong>sets the right base for company-wide transparency<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can create project, team, or department channels that anyone (with permission) can access. This way, Marketing can peek into Sales\u2019 channel, Ops can follow Product\u2019s channel, and so on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without secret back-channels, cross-team work is visible, not hidden. Employees no longer have to succumb to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/grapevine-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grapevine communication<\/a>, as they are allowed direct access to the information they need. And the transparency created in this way fosters further alignment and mutual understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"906\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble.png\" alt=\"Channels in Pumble\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-20128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble-397x300.png 397w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble-1110x838.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble-768x580.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/channels-in-pumble-16x12.png 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Channels in Pumble&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"unlimited-message-history-creates-a-single-source-of-truth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unlimited message history creates a single source of truth&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For teams to work together effortlessly, they need a single all-encompassing source of shared information and knowledge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the key ways Pumbe supports lateral communication is that it keeps a permanent, searchable record of all messages, files, and resources ever shared in your organization workspace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And because Pumble retains all conversations, no one can say they weren\u2019t on a specific thread. Any employee can search, catch up, and see decisions, files, and context.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone changes teams or returns from leave, they don\u2019t need to re-learn all the processes and context. They can step into the shared record and pick up where they left off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>reduces fragmentation, avoids duplicate work, and minimizes \u201clost context\u201d excuses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Search options in Pumble\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-20129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble-531x300.png 531w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble-1110x627.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble-768x434.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Search-options-in-Pumble-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Search options in Pumble&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"centralized-conversations-organized-by-channels-and-threads\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Centralized conversations organized by channels and threads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When employees need to sift through a ton of unrelated content, lateral communication is close to impossible. It\u2019s time-consuming, confusing, and frustrating to be forced to look for the missing puzzle pieces every time you need to reference an earlier resource.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to channels in Pumble, you can <strong>structure your discussions around specific topics and maintain clarity within cross-team interactions<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With well-structured channels (by team, project, or cross-functional topics), conversations stay contextual.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within these channels, <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/threads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">threads<\/a> allow deep dives without breaking the flow. They let teammates respond directly to specific messages, creating focused sub-discussions without interrupting the main conversation flow. This way, <strong>confusion is minimized, messages are organized, and critical details remain attached to their original context<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble.png\" alt=\"Threads in Pumble\" class=\"wp-image-20130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble-360x300.png 360w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble-1110x925.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble-768x640.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/threads-in-pumble-14x12.png 14w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Threads in Pumble by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-landing-2\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Seamless team communication<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Strengthen teams and simplify work with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-2.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"cross-functional-guest-access-and-permissions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cross-functional guest access and permissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If a project spans teams or organizational boundaries, you can invite members \u2014 or guests \u2014 into specific <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/guest-access\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guest channels<\/a> designed to help you accommodate and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/third-party-business-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communicate with third parties<\/a> and external collaborators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, your marketing team can add a guest from a design agency into their channel dedicated to the ongoing campaign, and brainstorm or share real-time updates and feedback.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>improves transparency between collaborators and teams while giving them a chance to connect without opening everything to everyone.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Inviting a guest user in Pumble\" class=\"wp-image-20131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble-532x300.png 532w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble-1110x626.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Inviting-a-guest-user-in-Pumble-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inviting a guest user in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"real-time-and-asynchronous-communication\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real-time and asynchronous communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Teams often <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/working-across-time-zones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">work across time zones<\/a> or schedules, so Pumble comes in handy with its full asynchronous-friendly mode \u2014 no one gets left out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pumble achieves this by letting you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Create a notification schedule<\/strong> based on your working hours,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mute all notifications<\/strong> for the set time period when you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/mastering-deep-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">focus on deep work<\/a>,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get notified only about specific threads<\/strong> you pick,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mute the channels<\/strong> you don\u2019t find relevant, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/reminders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>reminders<\/strong><\/a> to ensure you\u2019re not missing any important deadlines while focusing on the task at hand.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1192\" height=\"842\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Notification settings in Pumble\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-20132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble.png 1192w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble-425x300.png 425w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble-1110x784.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble-768x542.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/notification-settings-in-Pumble-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1192px) 100vw, 1192px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Notification settings in Pumble&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/notification-preferences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prioritize critical work &amp; minimize distractions with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, real-time conversations (such as audio and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/video-conferencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video meetings<\/a>) and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/mentions-and-reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mentions<\/a> are available to help ping relevant stakeholders when needed and have questions answered fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By positioning Pumble as the infrastructure for lateral communication, you\u2019re helping your team achieve a culture shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-features\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Make lateral communication easier<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Ready to see how Pumble could jumpstart your silo-busting efforts? Try it today.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"pumble-by-cake-com-makes-your-cross-team-communication-more-effective\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pumble by CAKE.com makes your cross-team communication more effective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lateral communication needs the right support to grow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how well you instruct and inspire your teams to work and communicate together, chances are they will still struggle, unless their communication tools create a collaborative atmosphere and offer clear <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/communication-channels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">communication channels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure your teams can successfully collaborate cross-functionally, try Pumble to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secure transparency from the start,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centralize and streamline communication, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eliminate unnecessary emails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to improve cross-functional alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and boost innovation, try Pumble by CAKE.com and see how it can help your teams communicate better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get started with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lateral communication represents the interactions between peers or coworkers in the same hierarchical level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":20151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-communication-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1360"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23318,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360\/revisions\/23318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20151"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}