Communication Quality Levels

The following levels do not make you “good” or “bad.” Some people choose to have a more laid back lifestyle and to avoid the stressors of professional-level communication.

To achieve a level, you must always meet all of the standards described.


Level 1

  • Answer emails same-day if received by 1pm.
  • Answer texts during normal waking hours within 5 minutes unless in a meeting.
  • Answers phone calls within 3 rings.
  • Answers voice messages in some format within 5 minutes unless in a meeting.

Level 2

  • Answer emails same-day if received by 8am.
  • Answer texts during normal waking hours within 20 minutes unless in a meeting.
  • Answers phone calls within 5 rings.
  • Answers voice messages in some format within 20 minutes unless in a meeting.

Level 3

  • Answer emails within a day or two.
  • Answer texts during normal waking hours within 2 hours unless in a meeting.
  • Answers phone calls within 8 rings.
  • Answers voice messages in some format within 2 hours unless in a meeting.

Level 4

  • Answer emails within a week.
  • Answer texts during normal waking hours within 8 hours unless in a meeting.
  • Answers voice messages in some format within 8 hours unless in a meeting.

Level 5

  • Answer emails within a week or sometimes not at all.
  • Answer texts occasionally.
  • Answers voice messages occasionally.