HOW IT WORKS

Using /openmsg command

After adding Open Book to Slack, just tell your team to try the /openmsg command. Not every message needs it, but using it regularly encourages better habits and helps avoid misunderstandings or unclear expectations. Let's talk about some of the crucial Open Book concepts that you'll find in the templates:

Delegation levels

The idea behind Delegation Levels is simple - on a scale from 1 to 7, how much control you're keeping for yourself, or how much you're handing over to others?

• 1️⃣ I'm deciding and will inform the rest
• 2️⃣ I'm deciding but will try to sell it to the rest
• 3️⃣ I will consult and then decide
• 4️⃣ We will agree together
• 5️⃣ I'll suggest but they decide
• 6️⃣ I'll check in after they decide
• 7️⃣ It's fully up to them

It might feel like a small thing, but your intention is rarely as clear to others as it is in your own head. Without realizing it, you might leave people second-guessing whether you're demanding, suggesting or just want to start a conversation.

By explicitly stating your delegation level, you remove that ambiguity — and with it, a surprising amount of friction, hesitation, and silent frustration. Clear expectations lead to smoother collaboration. It's that simple.

Involved & notified people

Before jumping into what you want to say, start by thinking about who you're saying it to. The people directly involved in a conversation or decision should feel like it's addressed to them — not buried in a group message where no one is sure who's responsible.

The involved field works hand-in-hand with the rest of your message — especially when you're asking for feedback, looking for volunteers, or expecting a decision. It helps others immediately understand that the ask is for them, not just general noise in the channel.

Those marked as notified are simply there to stay in the loop — no pressure, no confusion. This simple distinction prevents awkward follow-ups and silent misunderstandings.

No more "was this meant for me?" or "should I reply to this?" moments. Just clarity.

Expectations

Sometimes you're just sharing. Sometimes you're looking for input. And sometimes you're hoping someone will step up. The problem is — your teammates can't read your mind. With Open Book, you can explicitly say what you're expecting from others:

• I want feedback 💬
• I want someone to volunteer ✋🏻
• I want people to acknowledge with ✅

Make sure your message was seen and understood, without demanding replies. Setting the right expectation upfront cuts down on follow-ups and silence. It gives others permission to act — or to know they don't have to. When people know what kind of response you're looking for, they respond faster and with more confidence. Simple as that.

Deadline for resolving issues

Some things can wait — others can’t. By setting a "resolve by" date, you're giving your team a clear signal about when you'd like this to be wrapped up. No pressure, no spammy reminders — just clarity on expectations.