General
back-channel
What does back-channel mean?
To communicate informally and privately outside official channels to influence or learn something.
"She back-channeled with a few directors before the vote."
Origin
Diplomacy term for unofficial communication.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to back-channel?
It means to communicate informally and privately outside official channels, often to gather information or line up support before a formal decision.
Where does the term come from?
From diplomacy, where 'back channels' are unofficial lines of communication used alongside or instead of formal ones.
Is back-channeling underhanded?
Not necessarily. It can be a normal way to build consensus, though it can seem political if used to bypass proper process.
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