Lyra Colorado

Lyra's Slack User Guide

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Contents

Goals

Lyra is transitioning to Slack as an internal communication tool. The company is growing and collaboration needs to be centralized to maintain productivity as a larger team.

Norms

The transition to Slack will require the team to consolidate prior behaviors of email and text communications into Slack direct messages, channels, and huddles to change old habits.

Instructions

This guide will help you get set up in Slack so you can get started. Before you dive in, make sure you’ve downloaded the desktop app and you’re able to sign in to your workspace.


Lyra's Goals for Slack

Streamline Communication

The intended benefits of using Slack are the reduction of emails in inboxes and the discontinuation of text messages for work related needs. Examples of communications that are well accustomed for Slack include asking for help, giving work or personal updates, tracking progress on tasks and goals, or scheduling a time to meet.


Institutionalize Information

One can easily reference a conversation because everything is searchable and the history of conversations are saved on threads.


Collaborate Cross-Organizationally

Knowledge is shared cross-organizationally, and as the team grows, documents and conversations can be readily shared for on-boarding.


Supplement Interactions

Slack can be used in a way to supplement interactions that are typical of an in person office environment. These conversations are more deliberate than a serendipitous office chat but can be just as effective for integrating into company culture and team dynamics.




Slack Limitations

Currently Slack should not be used as a tool for external communications for board members or for formal communications since there are limitations to communication with external partners. The platform lacks the formality that we would like to express when interacting with external colleagues. Emails, phone calls, and text messages should be the primary medium for external communication.


Get Started

  • Download the Slack app for desktop and mobile devices.
  • Sign in to your workplace once the team invitation email is sent
  • Fill out your profile with a profile picture, job title, and contacts.
  • Configure your notifications for the frequency and type you get.
  • Learn how to send messages to start chatting with your team.


Note: If you’ve been invited to a workspace as a guest, you can only send messages to people in channels you have access to, and direct message people in the same channels as you.

“Slack is a collaboration tool to change the culture around communication at Lyra”


Norms

Assumptions

Assume that the messages you receive are low-context and are sent with positive intent. When sending a message, prioritize comprehensive and thoughts and ask clarifying questions.


BOUNDARIES

Set your status on Slack to signal whether you are available or your attention is elsewhere. Configure your notifications to set boundaries and keep sensitive conversations to direct messages.

EXpectations

All Lyra staff are expected to engage with Slack as their primary internal communication tool. It is not possible for your coworkers to always be responsive, so be respectful of each others time.

Instructions

Sidebar

Channels

Message Field

History & Help

The history icons provide quick access to recently-viewed items. Use the left and right arrows to go back and forward in your history, or click the clock icon for a list of recent channels, DMs, search results, and threads.


Click the "?" icon to the right of the search bar to access help and learning resources, or visit the Help Center from your browser. There are also slack courses and slack tutorials to improve your skills.


Use slash commands or keyboard shortcuts to access extra functionality. Press "Ctrl" and "/" for a full list.




Slack Integrations

Google Calendar

simple poll

zoom

Google drive

one drive & SHARE POINT

outlook calendar

Silhouette of People Stargazing

Lyra Colorado

Communication is not one sided. How can we improve?

team survey