A method and system for managing a workflow using instant messages to determine the statuses of interdependent tasks. First and second tasks of the workflow are determined to be interdependent, whereby the first task is required to be completed before the second task is started. After receiving a first instant message (IM) that responds to an IM-based first query requesting a status of the first task, the first IM is determined to include key word(s) indicating that the first task is completed. An IM-based second query requesting a status of the second task is sent. After receiving a second IM that responds to the second query, the second IM is determined to include the key word(s) indicating that the second task is completed.