Staff Communication¶
Purpose¶
Effective communication is essential to maintaining a consistent and professional moderation team.
Staff members should communicate openly, respectfully, and constructively with one another while presenting a unified and professional presence to the community.
Good communication reduces misunderstandings, improves decision making, and strengthens trust within both the staff team and the player community.
Professional Communication¶
Staff are expected to communicate in a manner that is:
- Respectful
- Professional
- Honest
- Constructive
- Timely
- Solution-oriented
Disagreements are expected. Disrespect is not.
Internal Staff Discussion¶
Private staff channels exist to:
- Discuss investigations.
- Ask questions.
- Request second opinions.
- Clarify policy.
- Coordinate moderation efforts.
- Share relevant information.
Staff should feel comfortable asking for guidance whenever needed.
No one is expected to know everything.
Respectful Disagreement¶
Healthy disagreement improves decision making.
When staff disagree:
- Focus on the facts.
- Reference policy where applicable.
- Explain your reasoning.
- Listen to alternative viewpoints.
- Remain open to changing your position.
The objective is reaching the best decision—not winning an argument.
Staff Announcements¶
Official announcements should be used for information that affects the moderation team as a whole.
Examples include:
- Policy updates
- Governance changes
- Staff appointments
- Infrastructure changes
- Operational procedures
- Security notices
General discussion should occur in designated staff discussion channels rather than announcement channels.
Player Communication¶
When communicating with players, staff should:
- Remain calm.
- Be respectful.
- Explain decisions clearly.
- Avoid sarcasm or hostility.
- Focus on behavior rather than the individual.
- Direct players toward the appropriate appeal process when necessary.
Professional communication often prevents unnecessary escalation.
Confidentiality¶
Some discussions are intended only for the staff team.
Examples include:
- Internal investigations
- Staff deliberations
- Administrative planning
- Security matters
- Player reports
- Sensitive evidence
Confidential discussions should remain within authorized staff channels unless leadership authorizes their release.
Availability¶
Staff members are volunteers.
While regular participation is encouraged, staff should communicate extended absences whenever reasonably possible so responsibilities can be adjusted accordingly.
Real life always takes priority.
Feedback¶
Constructive feedback strengthens the moderation team.
Staff are encouraged to:
- Share ideas.
- Suggest improvements.
- Raise concerns respectfully.
- Participate in policy discussions.
Feedback should focus on improving procedures rather than criticizing individuals.
Final Principle¶
Every conversation between staff members contributes to the culture of the moderation team.
Communicate with the same professionalism and respect internally that we expect staff to demonstrate when serving the community.