Step-by-Step Blueprint for Managing Slack Efficiently

1. Understand the Challenge of Slack

With constant communications on Slack, it’s crucial to develop strategies that help you stay organized while not missing vital information. Learn from leaders like Matt Grimm, COO of Anduril, who have implemented effective practices.

2. Implement a Prioritization System

Grimm suggests sorting Slack messages by unread and most recent. This approach allows you to prioritize new communications effectively.

3. Utilize Downtime Wisely

Make use of short breaks or gaps between meetings to catch up on Slack messages. If you have five minutes to spare, quickly review your sorted messages.

4. Recognize Your Limitations

Grimm openly acknowledges that, given the size of Anduril’s workforce, it’s unrealistic to read every message. Accept that you won’t be able to capture everything, and trust that important information will be communicated directly to you.

5. Engage in Channels Unexpectedly

Pop into various channels unexpectedly to get genuine feedback and insights from your team. This practice fosters transparency and open communication.

6. Explore Diverse Communication Styles

Learn from leaders like Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who sends long-form messages to encourage thoughtful discussions. Adopting different forms of communication can enrich team dialogue.

7. Set Personal Boundaries

Consider removing Slack from your mobile device, as Canva CEO Melanie Perkins does, to create clear boundaries. This can help you focus on work and personal time without interruptions.

8. Optimize Your Workflow Tools

Cal Henderson, cofounder of Slack, recommends organizing channels, setting strict hours for responding to messages, and experimenting with video clips instead of meetings to enhance productivity.

9. Review Your Communication Patterns

As 2025 approaches, utilize Slack’s features to review your activity, such as checking who sends the most messages in your workspace. Reflecting on these patterns can help streamline your communication habits.

10. Acknowledge Global Challenges

Note that managing communication across multiple time zones (as Anduril operates in 14 time zones) poses unique challenges, which require flexibility and adaptability in your approach.