In this article, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What diagonal communication is, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Its key benefits and common barriers, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practical ways to foster healthy diagonal communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"diagonal-communication-cover\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/diagonal-communication-cover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Diagonal communication is a type of workplace communication that crosses all organizational units and hierarchical levels. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It helps teams solve problems faster, encourages innovation, and empowers employees to take initiative. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To foster healthy diagonal communication, focus on setting clear guidelines, promoting transparency, empowering your team, and prioritizing problem solving over hierarchy. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is diagonal communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal<\/strong> or crosswise communication<\/strong> is a type of communication that crosses all organizational units and hierarchical levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It involves staff members of different departments interacting with each other, regardless of their reporting relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This type of communication is not affected by any lines of authority<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some examples of workplace diagonal communication include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Sales team<\/a> asking one of the managers of the developing team when the upcoming feature will be available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The HR team<\/a> and the VP of Customer Support making a list of requirements and qualifications for a new position opening in the Customer Support team<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Content writers asking heads of different departments for up-to-date information, opinions, or experiences to include in the articles they\u2019re writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Example](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Example-of-diagonal-communication-channels.png\")
Example of diagonal communication channels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Diagonal communication serves as the secret weapon of fast-moving, innovative companies<\/strong> that value productivity and efficiency over following outdated communication rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you communicate diagonally, you connect across teams and levels<\/strong> \u2014 breaking silos<\/a> and encouraging collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at more of the pros of diagonal communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communicate easily across departments with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of diagonal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The importance of diagonal communication is clear \u2014 it helps teams move faster, solve problems creatively, and stay engaged and empowered<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a closer look at each of its powerful benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unprecedented speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When a question comes up, diagonal communication encourages employees to reach out directly to the person who has the answer<\/strong>. No waiting hours \u2014 or even days \u2014 for information to travel through multiple people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passing a question up and down the hierarchy just to get to the right person can seriously hinder productivity and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, by communicating diagonally, employees can go straight to the source and get what they need almost instantly<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stepping away from the limitations of purely upward<\/a>, downward<\/a>, and lateral communication<\/a> allows teams to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Act faster, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make decisions quickly, and <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep their momentum strong<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Share information and make decisions quickly on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A breeding ground for innovation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to one study<\/a>, collaboration across teams significantly boosts new ideas and improves overall innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When coworkers from different tiers and teams communicate openly, ideas flow more freely<\/strong>. It\u2019s much easier for them to share perspectives and brainstorm creative solutions<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re no longer limited to the viewpoints within their own team. Instead, they expand their thinking, learn from each other\u2019s expertise, and work together toward company goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication builds these unexpected connections that often lead to fresh ideas and out-of-the-box solutions that drive real progress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increased employee empowerment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Giving team members the tools and encouragement to communicate openly builds confidence and a genuine sense of empowerment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication enables collaboration and involvement, which gives employees a clearer understanding of how their work contributes to the bigger picture<\/strong>, making them feel valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are, of course, things you should regularly communicate as a leader. But when employees see it for themselves, it has a much stronger impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Positive changes like these drive better results for your business, as they often lead to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Higher engagement, <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better collaboration, and <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A noticeable <\/strong>boost in team morale<\/strong><\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n Simplify cross-team communication<\/span>\nPumble keeps all your conversations and coworkers within easy reach.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nDisadvantages of diagonal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although rich in advantages for your team, diagonal communication also comes with a few challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are the things you need to keep an eye on to make sure your team stays aligned and communication remains productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bypassing the chain of command<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication cuts through hierarchy, which is great for speed, but if used carelessly, it can leave managers out of the loop. They could be unaware of what\u2019s going on and\/or excluded from decision making<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While communication should flow freely, it\u2019s equally important to make sure everyone stays aligned<\/strong>. That means keeping managers and team members updated to prevent misunderstandings, frustration, and unnecessary rework. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication works best when teams keep transparency<\/a> in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setting clear guidelines for when to inform or update superiors maintains trust and coordination<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Potential for confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When communication flows across different departments and levels, it\u2019s easy for details to get lost or misunderstood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent this, define clear <\/strong>communication channels<\/strong><\/a> and encourage proper documentation<\/strong>, such as summaries in shared channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure key updates are visible to everyone involved so that information is consistent and everyone stays on the same page.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/An-example-of-a-quick-summary-after-diagonal-communication.png\")
An example of a quick summary after diagonal communication on Pumble, a team communication app by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Share important updates with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Undermining authority<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication can sometimes blur lines of authority, leading employees to misinterpret openness as permission to skip approval steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some managers might feel undermined in their roles when decisions are made without their input. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a leader, it\u2019s important to clearly define <\/strong>team roles<\/strong><\/a> and decision-making boundaries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Encourage openness, but reinforce that authority exists to ensure alignment, accountability, and quality across the organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4 Actionable ways to foster healthy diagonal communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Crosswise communication can feel tricky. With so many people involved and no rigid structure to lean on, it\u2019s easy to worry about mistakes and misunderstandings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, it doesn\u2019t have to be complicated or intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few practical tips to help your team transition to diagonal communication smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Set clear guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To avoid chaos, it\u2019s important to define key communication protocols<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These guidelines should cover questions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What communication tools to use?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What information is confidential?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who should be contacted in different scenarios (e.g., when you finish your task or when you have to leave early)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who should be informed first if a problem occurs?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who is responsible for what, so you know who to ask if you have a question?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Go into as much detail as you can and update these guidelines frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, analyzing common communication models<\/a> in your workplace can provide clarity on how communication unfolds and help identify gaps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 Default to transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When communicating across departments, keep in mind that differences in roles, jargon, and unwritten rules can easily cause confusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always strive for clarity and openness<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Avoid highly technical terms or industry-specific language unless absolutely necessary. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If someone uses a word or phrase you don\u2019t understand, don\u2019t guess \u2014 ask for clarification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Share updates and decisions openly so everyone relevant has visibility. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Transparency builds trust and ensures that everyone involved has the same understanding, making communication smoother and reducing the risk of mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/An-example-of-clear-transparent-communication-between-teams.png\")
An example of clear, transparent communication between teams on Pumble, a business messaging app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Keep communication transparent with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 Empower, then trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give teammates the freedom to communicate directly<\/a> with others across departments and levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure they understand the scope of their authority<\/strong> \u2014 what decisions they can make on their own and what needs approval. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trust they will follow guidelines, keep managers informed when needed, and act in the team\u2019s best interest. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/An-example-of-a-team-update-after-diagonal-communication.png\")
An example of a team update after diagonal communication on Pumble, a team collaboration app by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n When people feel trusted, they\u2019re more likely to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Take initiative, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Solve problems proactively, and <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Contribute creative solutions. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For example, a developer can clarify feature requirements directly with a designer \u2014 knowing they will later update the team with all relevant information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 Focus on problems, not titles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Encourage employees to reach out to whoever has the knowledge or expertise needed to resolve a problem, regardless of their role or level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focus should always be on getting things done efficiently<\/strong> \u2014 not worrying about stepping outside one\u2019s \u201cplace\u201d in the org chart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reinforce that everyone involved works toward shared objectives, ensuring communication is solution-focused and collaborative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enable smart diagonal communication with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diagonal communication can be chaotic without the right environment. The goal is controlled chaos, not total confusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make it work, you need tools that support transparency and accountability<\/strong> across every level of your organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s exactly what a team communication app<\/a> like Pumble<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a> does for your team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With public <\/strong>channels<\/strong><\/a>, employees can easily reach out across departments without creating secret back channels. The conversation stays open and transparent, allowing managers and other team members to see what\u2019s happening and stay aligned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organize your cross-functional discussions with threaded conversations<\/strong><\/a> so valuable insights don\u2019t get lost in private DMs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Pumble\u2019s](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Pumbles-threads.png\")
Pumble\u2019s threads<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Use Pumble\u2019s user groups<\/strong><\/a> to make finding the right people easy, helping employees know exactly who to reach out to when they have a question or need expert input. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And with unlimited message history<\/strong>, every conversation becomes part of a searchable knowledge base<\/a> \u2014 a record of collaboration that your team can revisit anytime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pumble by CAKE.com was designed with this kind of agility in mind \u2014 giving your organization the structure it needs to embrace diagonal communication confidently and effectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Better collaboration, and <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make decisions quickly, and <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The HR team<\/a> and the VP of Customer Support making a list of requirements and qualifications for a new position opening in the Customer Support team<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Sales team<\/a> asking one of the managers of the developing team when the upcoming feature will be available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n