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Learn How to Project Manage in Slack with These 7 Features

December 20, 2024

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Emily May

Are you leveraging Slack’s top features to streamline project management? Many corporate teams use Slack for communication, but it’s easy to overlook the many features that can improve project workflow and collaboration. 

This article explores how to project manage in Slack like a pro using the software’s top seven project management features, from channels to integrations.

Top 7 Features for Slack Project Management

Feature #1: Channels

If your company uses Slack, you’re familiar with the channels feature. Teams commonly use Slack channels to divide employees into corresponding job functions and interest groups. However, the channels feature can also help create project-focused groups. 

Advantage of Channels: A project channel keeps all the communications related to that project in one place. This can be especially beneficial for cross-collaborative projects that include members of different departments who may not otherwise interact in Slack channels. A dedicated project channel supports transparency and ensures all members receive project-related notifications.

Feature #2: Huddles

cartoon of people on an online video call

We’ve all been in a scenario where a team member has had difficulty interpreting and understanding our messages. When clarifying project details with colleagues, sometimes speaking face-to-face is best to provide necessary context and answer follow-up questions. The solution? Start a Huddle, a video meeting hosted through the Slack platform. 

Advantage of Huddles: Instead of taking the extra steps to set up a formal meeting on a different platform like Zoom, team members can quickly and conveniently start a Huddle in Slack. Moreover, all documents and data shared during that meeting are stored for easy reference later.

Feature #3: Clips

Let’s say you’re messaging a colleague about a project, and a Huddle isn’t necessary, but you’d still like to express your feedback verbally. In that case, take advantage of Clips. Slack users can quickly record audio (or video) and send it within messages and channels.

Advantage of Clips: Clips help team members collaborate through the medium that best fits the situation and context. In a collaborative situation where only one side needs context, simply sending an audio or video message can suffice. Clips may be a convenient option for those who communicate while traveling or on the go.

Feature #4: Lists

In 2024, Slack released a new product feature called lists. The Slack website states, “Lists are where teams can create, track, and manage projects without ever leaving Slack.” In lists, teams can track the status, owners, priority, due dates, and files related to a project. Note: The list feature is available for paid plans only. 

Advantage of Lists: A major benefit of using lists is that teams can track the status of projects within the platform they are already using. The list feature can also benefit teams on a budget that are comfortable performing all of their task management in Slack without an external integration.

Feature #5: Canvas

two people organizing a folder of different files

Another premium Slack feature accessible to paid plan users is Canvas. A canvas is a dedicated space in Slack for all project-related items, such as files, media, timelines, workflows, important contacts, and more. 

Advantage of Canvas: Teams don’t have to scroll through channel messages or search their Google Drive for key project assets. Project teams know where to store important project information and where they can retrieve it.  

Feature #6: Integrations

Teams can integrate many external apps and tools into Slack to optimize project workflow. Some popular integrations include Google Drive, Jira, Asana, Notion, Zoom, and Miro. The Slack website states that more than 2,600 apps are compatible.

Advantage of Integrations: External Slack project management apps allow users to access their favorite tools while remaining in one interface. These extensions help project managers guide and monitor aspects of the workflow without flipping between tabs.  

Feature #7: Status & Notification Management

person managing their notifications on their cell phone

Limiting distractions is critical when it’s time to focus and make progress on a project. Slack offers features to help you signal to other team members that you’re busy. Slack users can:

  • Customize personal status
  • Sync Google Calendar with Slack to automatically update personal status
  • Pause notifications

Advantage of Notification Management: Pausing notifications and signaling to others that you are away helps you maintain focus. Productive time management is vital to ensure projects are delivered on time.

Conclusion

Slack offers several features to help you manage, collaborate, and focus on projects. While sophisticated project management software is often needed, Slack project management can complement your existing processes. 

Now that your Slack task management is second to none–why not level up your general project management skills and knowledge? In the Agile Project and Delivery Management certification course, you’ll learn how to take an agile approach to project delivery, support your team through the project lifecycle, and improve project success. 

Download the Agile Project and Delivery Management learning outcomes now to learn more. 

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TAGGED AS:
Agile Project and Delivery Management, Delivery Management

About the author

Emily May | ICAgile, Marketing Specialist
Emily May is a Marketing Specialist at ICAgile, where she helps educate learners on their agile journey through content. With an eclectic background in communications supporting small business marketing efforts, she hopes to inspire readers to initiate more empathy, productivity, and creativity in the workplace for improved internal and external outcomes.

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