@@ -13,16 +13,11 @@ We communicate respectfully and professionally at all times.
## Effective & Responsible Communication Guidelines
1.**Assume [Positive Intent](/handbook/values/#collaboration).** Always begin with a position of positivity and grace.
1.**Kindness Matters.** You are looking at a screen, but you are really talking to a person. If you wouldn't say it to a person's face, do not send it to them in a text message.
1.**Assume Positive Intent.** Always begin with a position of positivity and grace.
1.**Kindness Matters.** You are looking at a screen, but you are really talking to a person. If you wouldn't say it to someone face to face, do not send it to them in a Slack message.
1.**Express Your Thoughts Responsibly and Inclusively.** We live in different locations and often have very different perspectives. We want to know your thoughts, opinions, and feelings on things. We also ask you to consider the guidelines around communicating potentially sensitive topics.
1.**Own It.** If you say it or type it, own it. If it hurts the company or an individual, even unintentionally, we encourage you to look at things from other points of view and apologize easily.
1.**Be a Role Model of our [Values](/handbook/values/).**
1.**Feedback is Essential.** It is difficult to know what is appropriate in every one of our team members 60+ countries. We encourage team members to give feedback and receive feedback in a considerate way.
1.**Do not underestimate a 1:1.** Asynchronous communication (e.g., via text) is helpful and necessary. In some cases (e.g., to clarify misunderstandings) it can be much more effective to jump on a Zoom video call.
1.**Always Adhere to our [Anti-Harassment Policy](/handbook/people-group/anti-harassment/) and [GitLab Code of Business Conduct and Ethics](https://ir.gitlab.com/governance/governance-documents/default.aspx).** Everyone should be comfortable in their work environment.
1.**Focus on what we can directly influence.** There are many factors we can't directly influence and we should avoid spending time discussing those things. For example, we don't talk about our [market capitalization](/handbook/company/being-a-public-company/#market-capitalization) because aspects of this are out of our control. Instead, we should focus on how we can work together to achieve company objectives and grow [annual recurring revenue](/handbook/sales/sales-term-glossary/arr-in-practice/).
1.**Commit to [active and effective listening](/handbook/leadership/coaching/#essential-coaching-skills)**.
