The Workings of Slack
The last word that should come to mind when referring to team communication is the word “slack.” Ironically, Slack is a platform that specializes in efficient and effective team communication.
When you have a team of 24 bright individuals, team collaboration is crucial for generating productive workflow. However, without a proper channel to help compartmentalize the various discussions, file sharing, email chains, and side conversations, the team risks a large miscommunication. It’s not a matter of “if” it will happen to the team but a matter of “when,” then what can be done to fix the fallout.
Since Slack first launched, it has been capturing the hearts of adopters who have the tendency to express their feelings on the “Slack Wall of Love.” Must be doing something right.
So, what features label Slack, “team communication for the 21st century,” and what’s wrong with just using email for communication? In an interview with founder Stewart Butterfield he states that the three most important features of Slack are:
1. Search
2. Synchronization
3. Simple file-sharing
The typical time it takes for one to filter through multiple emails in search of something particular can be found in half the time using Slack. Every message, notification, file, etc. is automatically indexed and archived into the system, making everything accessible the moment you type what you need into the search bar. For example, if you wanted to find a PDF file sent from the Public Relations and Media Director you would simply type, PDF file from: @caylapr. Good riddance to hassle-scrolling and confusing subject lines.
Furthermore, Slack effortlessly syncs in real-time due to “leave-state synchronization,” This allows team members to pick up where they left off when switching between platforms (e.g., laptop to mobile device) because the it “syncs to the cursor position in real-time.” Lastly, we have the simple file-sharing. Three words: drag and drop. That’s it.
As for “everything under the sun, and then some,” Slack integrates outside tools that your team uses. Integrations automatically allow team members to pull information and activity into Slack from outside. For instance, the social media accounts for Appalachian Insights can be integrated into the team Slack, providing them with timely, relevant, and searchable content. Additionally, the team can create integrations in Slack!
Overall, using Slack has increased Appalachian Insights team productivity and communication. As proof, on March 20, 2017, Slack sent a weekly report stating that the team had sent a “total of 191 messages (that’s 124 more than the week before). Of those, 45% were in public channels and 55% were direct messages. The team also uploaded 7 files (that’s 3 more than the week before).” As you can see, the simplicity of the platform allows team members to engage in meaningful conversations over a variety of channels as well as using direct messaging for more private matters. Being able to access Slack on multiple devices with real-time synchronization is a game changer when your team consists of the younger generation who are constantly on the go or using their phones. Other platforms such as GroupMe, lack the ability to pair with devices properly (e.g., iPhone vs android) which can lead to miscommunication, not receiving notifications and/or messages, and frustration. And when you have a team of 24, communication needs to be efficient and effective.
“My name is Cayla Nolder and I am the Public Relations and Media Director at Appalachian Insights. I’ve been obsessed with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland since I can remember. Follow me through our journey on Twitter @cayla_redlon.”
