The Four Frequencies Framework
A framework for structuring organizational acoustic communication based on biological principles.
A framework for structuring organizational acoustic communication based on biological principles. Organizations need four distinct acoustic communication channels, each with different frequency (how often), amplitude (urgency/priority), structure, and purpose. Mixing these channels creates confusion, message degradation, and coordination failures.
When to Use The Four Frequencies Framework
Use when diagnosing communication dysfunction, designing meeting structures, establishing crisis protocols, or scaling organizational communication. Especially valuable when teams complain about too many meetings, can't distinguish urgent signals from routine noise, or when critical warnings aren't reaching decision-makers.
How to Apply
The Dawn Chorus (Daily Coordination)
Daily synchronization like bird dawn chorus re-establishing territories each morning.
Questions to Ask
- What are you working on today?
- Where do you need help?
- What's blocking you?
Outputs
- 15-minute time-boxed standup
- Blockers surfaced and assigned
- Team alignment on day's priorities
The Territory Call (Strategic Alignment)
Weekly/biweekly strategic meetings like gibbon territorial calls negotiating boundaries.
Questions to Ask
- What do the metrics show?
- Are we on track for strategic initiatives?
- What decisions are required?
- What resources are needed?
Outputs
- Documented decisions
- Resource allocation choices
- Course corrections
The Alarm System (Crisis Response)
Event-driven crisis alerts like prairie dog alarm calls that override all other activity.
Questions to Ask
- What severity level is this? (P1/P2/P3)
- Who needs to know immediately?
- What's the expected response time?
Outputs
- Structured incident alerts
- Escalation protocols
- Post-incident reviews
The Whale Song (Cultural Transmission)
Quarterly/annual cultural broadcasts like whale songs transmitting culture across ocean basins.
Questions to Ask
- What are our business results?
- What are our strategic priorities?
- What stories exemplify our values?
Outputs
- All-hands meetings
- CEO keynotes
- Shared sense of purpose