What is Diagonal Communication?

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful workplace. From top-down directives to peer-to-peer conversations, communication channels must be open and efficient. However, organizational communication is not limited to vertical or horizontal communication channels. A lesser-known but equally important type of communication flow is diagonal communication.

What Is Diagonal Communication?

Diagonal communication is dialogue between employees from different departments or teams. It occurs between employees who aren’t under the same chain of command. For example, a team leader from the sales department may collaborate with a member of the dev team to better understand the product features.

This type of cross-departmental communication enables better collaboration, breaks down silos, and fosters an open exchange of information within an organization.

Formal vs Informal Diagonal Communication

One of the unique aspects of diagonal communication is that it can take on both formal and informal communication channels.

Formal Communication

Formal channels of diagonal communication may include scheduled meetings or presentations where different departments are invited to attend. In contrast, informal channels of diagonal communication may consist of unplanned conversations or chance meetings between employees from other departments.

Informal Communication

The informal channels of diagonal communication are particularly interesting because they are often the most effective in breaking down barriers and building relationships between employees. These informal conversations can help employees understand each other better, learn about their roles and responsibilities, and share their ideas and perspectives.

When these conversations are allowed to take place, it can lead to better collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving within the organization.

In contrast, formal channels of diagonal communication can sometimes feel impersonal and ineffective. In some cases, employees may feel they are being talked at rather than talked to during these meetings, leading to a lack of engagement and participation. To avoid this, organizations must try to create an environment where all employees feel valued and heard during formal diagonal communication channels.

Diagonal vs Horizontal Communication

Horizontal communication occurs between people at the same level of the organizational hierarchy. This type of communication is common in departments or teams where people need to coordinate tasks and share information. For instance, two employees working on a project together would engage in horizontal communication.

On the other hand, diagonal communication occurs between people who are not on the same level of the organizational hierarchy. This type of communication helps to break down silos within an organization and promote collaboration across different levels or departments.

For example, a manager may engage in diagonal communication with a front-line employee to gather feedback on a new process or understand the employee’s perspective on a particular issue.

In summary, horizontal communication is for people on the same level, and diagonal communication is for people who are not on the same level. Both types of communication are essential for a successful organization, and knowing when to use each type is crucial.

The Benefits of Diagonal Communication

Diagonal communication is crucial in modern workplaces because it facilitates collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving across departments.

Break down communication silos

In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, organizations cannot afford to work in silos. They must break down departmental barriers and promote cross-functional collaboration to stay competitive.

Develop innovative solutions

Diagonal communication enables individuals from different departments to share ideas, perspectives, and feedback, leading to innovative solutions to complex problems.

Identify roadblocks

It also helps teams identify potential roadblocks and challenges in advance, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Foster a sense of community

In addition, diagonal communication helps to build trust and foster a sense of community among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and engagement.

Improved collaboration across departments

Diagonal communication improves collaboration and innovation across departments by breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of teamwork. When individuals from different departments communicate with each other, they gain a better understanding of each other’s roles, challenges, and goals. This understanding leads to improved collaboration and teamwork, leading to better outcomes.

Increased employee engagement

Diagonal communication increases employee engagement and job satisfaction by fostering a sense of community and teamwork. When employees feel their voices are heard and their ideas are valued, they become more engaged and committed to their work.

How to Apply Diagonal Communication

In addition to informal conversations and cross-functional team meetings, there are other examples of diagonal communication channels that organizations can leverage.

Team Communication Apps

One effective method is using a team communication app, such as Spike or Microsoft Teams, which allows individuals from different departments to communicate and collaborate in real-time. These apps provide a platform for individuals to share information, ideas, and feedback quickly and easily, breaking down barriers that may exist between departments and hierarchies.

Open Forums

Another example of diagonal communication is the use of open forums or town hall meetings, which provide an opportunity for employees to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback directly to senior leaders. These open communication channels can help build trust and transparency within the organization, leading to increased employee engagement and job satisfaction.

Job Rotations

Organizations can also encourage diagonal communication through job rotation or job shadowing programs, where employees can work in different departments or roles. This not only helps to break down silos but also enables employees to gain a better understanding of the organization as a whole, leading to improved collaboration and innovation.

Regardless of the method used, diagonal communication channels offer numerous benefits for organizations seeking to improve collaboration and innovation across departments. By encouraging and leveraging these channels, organizations can improve problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities, leading to better outcomes and increased success in today’s complex business environment.

What Are the Challenges of Diagonal Communication?

While diagonal communication can offer numerous benefits to organizations, it can also present several challenges that must be addressed to ensure effective communication flow. Organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate these challenges and create a more efficient and productive workplace by understanding them.

Information overload

Diagonal communication can lead to information overload or miscommunication if not appropriately managed. With multiple communication channels, keeping track of all the information shared can be challenging, leading to confusion or missing important details.

Conflict between departments

Diagonal communication can also lead to conflicts between different departments or teams if not managed properly. When individuals from different departments communicate with each other, it’s possible that they may have conflicting goals or priorities, leading to potential conflicts.

Structural issues

In some workplaces, diagonal communication may not be encouraged or supported, leading to a lack of structure or guidance. This can lead to individuals not knowing how ​​to communicate with each other effectively, leading to missed opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

How to Improve Diagonal Communication

Diagonal communication can lead to miscommunication or conflicts between departments or teams without proper management and guidance. To overcome these challenges, organizations must implement strategies to improve diagonal communication and foster a culture of cross-functional collaboration.

1. Encourage open communication channels between teams & departments

To improve diagonal communication, organizations can encourage open communication channels between teams and departments. This can be done by promoting cross-functional collaboration and team-building activities, such as inter-departmental meetings, offsite retreats, and team-building exercises.

2. Promote cross-functional collaboration

Promoting cross-functional collaboration and team-building activities can also improve diagonal communication. These activities can help build trust and foster a sense of community among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and engagement. Cross-functional collaboration can also lead to innovative solutions and improved problem-solving skills.

3. Establish clear communication protocols

Establishing clear communication guidelines and protocols can also improve diagonal communication. These guidelines can help individuals know when and how to communicate with each other, leading to more effective and efficient communication.

Examples of Successful Diagonal Communication

So, what does successful diagonal communication look like? Here are a few examples:

These are just a few examples of diagonal communication in the workplace. The key is to create opportunities for individuals from different departments and hierarchies to communicate and collaborate effectively.

The Impact of Diagonal Communication Impact on Overall Business Success

The impact of diagonal communication on the overall success of communication workflow is significant. Companies that prioritize diagonal communication have been found to have better innovation, higher employee engagement, and increased customer satisfaction.

Diagonal communication also leads to improved decision-making and problem-solving skills, leading to better outcomes. In summary, diagonal communication is a critical component of effective workplace communication.

It facilitates collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving across departments, leading to better outcomes. While it can present challenges, organizations can improve diagonal communication by encouraging open communication channels, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and establishing clear communication guidelines and protocols.

By prioritizing diagonal communication, organizations can improve their overall success and competitiveness in today’s fast-paced and complex business environment.