Etsy's Charter of Mindful Communication

Originally posted Sep 26, 2017 • More resources on effective communication

While I worked at Etsy, the company’s Culture & Engagement team rolled out the following “Charter of Mindful Communication”. I’m not sure if it’s been updated since, but I’ve found this language incredibly useful throughout my work ever since, and even brought it over to Kickstarter. I hope it’s valuable to you!


Video by Clare McGibbon

We strive to embody the behaviors outlined below in all our interactions (with fellow employees, Etsy sellers, vendors, partners, industry peers and even strangers in the elevator) to ensure a foundation of mutual respect, accountability, open-mindedness and productivity.

When I engage with anyone, in any medium, I commit to keeping it REAL:

Reflect on the dynamics in the room
Elevate the conversation
Assume best intentions
Listen to learn

To learn more about what this means, let’s break it down…

Reflect on the dynamics in the room

Elevate the conversation

Assume best intentions

Listen to learn

Woman speaking to camera with video player buttons underneathWant to communicate more effectively?

Check out my new Setting Expectations as a Manager video course to balance being empowering and being directive as a leader, and know when to switch up your approach. Or hire me to train these skills at your organization!


Lara Hogan

Author, public speaker, and coach for managers and leaders across the tech industry.

See all my resources on...