communication-playbook_skill

Overview

This skill is the HeySalad Communication Playbook: a compact, action-oriented set of standards for world-class internal and external communication. Use it whenever you draft, review, or coach messages, presentations, meetings, docs, or cross-functional coordination. It codifies tone, channel choice, structure (BLUF, Pyramid Principle), meeting norms, and transparency rules to reduce friction and speed decisions.

How this skill works

The skill inspects the communication domain you specify (internal, external, presentations, written, cross-functional, meetings, transparency, active listening) and applies domain-specific rules: lead with the conclusion, pick the right channel, structure content for fast comprehension, and assign clear owners and deadlines. It enforces checklists (async message, meeting prep, slide design) and recommends concrete templates (investor update, regulatory reply, RACI, meeting notes). When multiple domains apply, it merges relevant guidance and highlights conflicts to resolve.

When to use it

• Drafting or reviewing emails, Slack messages, investor updates, regulatory correspondence, or partner/customer outreach
• Creating or structuring presentations, pitch decks, or demos
• Preparing meeting agendas, facilitation plans, notes, or decision records
• Setting up cross-functional projects: RACI, kickoffs, SSOT, and meeting cadence
• Coaching 1-on-1s, feedback conversations, active listening, or conflict resolution
• Deciding transparency levels, channel selection, tone, BLUF use, or async vs synchronous comms

Best practices

• Start every internal async message with BLUF and a single clear ask
• Use the Pyramid Principle for presentations: state the governing thought within 60 seconds
• Select channels by purpose: Slack for quick coord, email for formality, docs for decisions
• Define one Accountable person in every RACI and maintain a single source of truth
• Run meetings only when necessary: share agenda in advance and publish notes with owners within 24 hours
• Respond to external stakeholders within 24 hours and be precise with dates and figures

Example use cases

• Write an investor update using Headline / Progress / Challenges / Priorities / Ask
• Draft a regulator response: include reference numbers, second-person review, and legal consult
• Prepare a decision meeting: agenda, signposted governing thought, timeboxed discussion, and decisions recorded
• Kick off a cross-functional project with RACI, success metrics, SSOT link, and communication cadence
• Coach a manager on active listening: use the pause, reflective listening, and clarifying questions