🧵 Thread, don't spread When discussing, use threads. They contain notifications to the participants and keep channels organized. A threaded dialogue is much easier to search and discover later.
📖 Book it Not all messages require a response. If you've read a message that's relevant to you, and have nothing to say, react with the book emoji. This is mandatory for messages tagging @channel to show you've seen it.
📣 Default to public Sliding into DMs can be necessary to problem solve. That said, if others might benefit from seeing the decision-making, thread it in a channel. Live out #ShowYourHand and allow the team to follow your thought process.
⏳ Set your schedule Slack is accessible and lowers the communication barrier. That doesn't mean you should be accessible 24/7. Set your notification schedule in Slack to coincide with your working hours on Google Calendar. Make it clear when you're available and when you're offline.
🌴 Take a breather We are not in a contest to see who responds the fastest and who has their green light on the longest. Take breaks. Respond to @mentions if you're away from your computer during regular working hours. Otherwise, it can wait.
🦉 Use @ wisely This one is important! Follow generally accepted conventions for @-tagging in channels: @channel → Channel-wide, must-read announcements and urgent, all hands on deck matters. @here → Quick response needed from the online team. Consider direct mentions before @here. @mention → Seeking a specific response or update to/from a person on the team. Unless you mention, don't assume a particular person will read or respond to that message.
➕ Assume positive intent Avoid reading between the lines and making logical leaps from a message someone sends. Treat it as literal, assume positive intent, and ask clarifying questions. Remember this when writing messages, as well.
📝 Assume low context Low context communicators default to assuming team members don't have context on a message. Know that asymmetrical information is amplified on remote teams, and put the #TeamFirst. Provide links, resources, and clarity. It may slow you down, but it will benefit everyone else.
💭 Value thought over speed There are no medals for first responders. Prioritize comprehensive thought in your responses instead of a quick message. If you need feedback, welcome everyone's input and set a feedback time window. Don't act immediately on the first response.