Written By Abe Hammat
Microsoft Teams may be one of the most underutilized tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. While over 320 million people use Teams every month, many do not leverage its full potential. In this article, we’ll explore practical Microsoft Teams tips to help you accomplish your goals faster, streamline communication, and engage your team more effectively.
Slash Commands in Microsoft Teams
Slash commands allow you to perform actions quickly using the search bar. Some helpful commands include:
/activity– View all unread activity./away– Set your status to away when stepping away from your computer./call– Start a call with a colleague instantly./news– Check the latest news without leaving Teams (requires the app installed).
Pro Tip: Using these commands regularly can save you several minutes every day.
Turning Messages into Tasks
Did you know you can convert messages directly into tasks? Here’s how:
- Hover over a message.
- Click the ellipsis (…) for more options.
- Select Create Planner Task within the conversation.
This is perfect for keeping track of action items without switching apps.
Scheduling Messages for a Channel
Scheduling messages in Teams helps you communicate at the right time:
- Open the channel where you want to send the message.
- Type your message in the message box.
- Right-click the send arrow and select Schedule send.
- Choose the correct time and hit Continue.
Scheduling messages ensures your communication is timely and effective.
Engaging Your Team with Polls and Quizzes
Microsoft Teams makes team engagement fun and interactive:
- Polls: Simple yes/no or multiple-choice polls for quick opinions.
- Quizzes: Create trivia quizzes to share company history or test knowledge.
These activities foster team building, even in a remote environment.
Whiteboard Collaboration
Microsoft Teams includes a virtual whiteboard tool, allowing real-time collaboration on ideas. Whether it’s brainstorming sessions, flowcharts, or games like Pictionary, whiteboards help make teamwork more visual and interactive.
Alt text: Microsoft Teams tips showing whiteboard collaboration in action
Using Avatars for Creative Communication
Teams also supports external apps that let you create digital avatars. These avatars allow you to express your personality in meetings, making remote interactions more fun and engaging.
Resources
- Learn more about Microsoft Teams features on Microsoft’s official Teams page.
- Check out how KTL can help!
Microsoft Teams is a versatile tool for both large organizations and small businesses. By applying these Microsoft Teams tips, you can improve productivity, streamline communication, and make teamwork more enjoyable—whether you’re in a Fortune 500 company or running a small shop.