“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies No Private DMs
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Oct 14, 2025 Kelli and Nolan dive into the controversial notion of eliminating private Slack messages to foster workplace transparency. They discuss the balance between open communication and the necessity for private conversations, especially for sensitive topics. Kelli emphasizes the toxicity of underground channels, while Nolan highlights potential productivity pitfalls of excessive public messaging. The pair also explore innovative communication methods like audio messages, which could streamline decision-making in fast-paced environments.
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Transparency Reduces Hidden Toxicity
- Public-by-default Slack can surface toxic underground channels and improve culture visibility.
- Kelli and Nolan see transparency as aspirational but worry about performative signaling.
Private Conversations Are Sometimes Necessary
- Some private conversations are necessary for candid problem-solving and personnel matters.
- Nolan warns that banning all private DMs is likely performative because leaders still need confidential discussion.
Define Clear Slack Rules
- Create a 'How We Slack' document with clear rules for urgency, expected response times, and channel use.
- Use phone or synchronous calls for truly urgent issues to avoid Slack overload.