Glossary
What does “Asynchronous update” mean?
Information shared in writing, video or voice for people to read or watch in their own time, instead of in a live meeting.
What it means
Information shared in writing, video or voice for people to read or watch in their own time, instead of in a live meeting. It replaces meetings whose only purpose is to pass on news.
An example
Each team lead posts three lines by Monday noon — done, next, blocked — and the weekly status meeting is cancelled; a call happens only if something is blocked.
Not to be confused with: Meeting
A meeting needs everyone at the same time; an asynchronous update works across time zones and schedules, but is worse for debate and quick decisions.
Where you will see it
In remote and global teams, written stand-ups, weekly updates, project tools and team chat.
Questions
When is an asynchronous update better than a meeting?
When the purpose is to share information, not to discuss or decide — especially across time zones.
How do you make asynchronous updates work?
Use a fixed format and deadline, keep updates short, and make it easy to ask questions in writing.
What should an asynchronous update include?
What was done, what is next, anything blocking, and any decision needed from someone — in a fixed short format, so readers know where to look and can reply in writing.
Other meeting words
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