An approach I’m using to deal with “hello”-only messages: – Jog your memory for any input you might’ve been awaiting or could use from the “hello” person, and

An approach I’m using to deal with “hello”-only messages: – Jog your memory for any input you might’ve been awaiting or could use from the “hello” person, and hit them back with a greeting + request or question. – If they really cannot help you on anything and you are not inclined to chit-chat, just ignore the “hello” message until substance follows. – If “hello” was too much of a bother at the moment, perhaps you should’ve been using DnD mode? – An effective way to use DnD and remain accessible is to set up a periodic alarm to check instant messengers. If you find a lone “hello” when checking messages and you can’t think of any input you might want from that person, “hello” back and leave it until next alarm. Your counterparty will learn to get to the point quicker.