One of the most important skills in the pocket of a Project Manager is organization. Being able to successfully manage and keep track of projects, tasks, and people is essential to being successful in that type of position.
For project managers, it may be easier to transfer the tools and knowledge to organize their personal lives than it is for others. With that in mind, here are several tips and tricks from that trade that can help just about anyone manage, track, and organize parts of their own daily life.
Tasks &To-Dos 8 Best Android To-Do List Management Apps 8 Best Android To-Do List Management Apps Don't try to juggle dozens of tasks in your head. These amazing Android task management apps help you to keep track of your to-do list efficiently. Read More Whether it's implementing a new piece of company software as a Project Manager or designing your backyard as a homeowner, every project needs to be broken down into tasks. Keep in mind the analogy of how to eat an elephant, that is, one bite at a time. Any project, big or small, can and should be broken down into a set of tasks.
Creating tasks is also important when there are dependencies. For the Project Manager, the task of installing the new software cannot be completed until the purchase of the new application. In the same vein, the task of planting the new bushes cannot occur until they have been purchased.
So whether you have a project like the example above for landscaping or something small-scale like just cleaning the house, list the tasks first and note those dependencies. As you go through and complete each task, just toss it off the list. Your project will be completed in a very organized manner, making sure nothing is forgotten.
Todoist, Wunderlist, Google Tasks, Remember the Milk, and Trello are some of the most popular tools for tasks, to-dos, and personal project management. Chrome To-Do List Showdown:Wunderlist, Google Tasks, and Todoist Chrome To-Do List Showdown:Wunderlist, Google Tasks, and Todoist Chrome has several extensions and apps that work directly with some of the most popular task managers. But how well do they work and how easy are they to use? Read more.
Some people have the most wonderful ability to remember anything and everything. However, this is not common for most. And many times, we can remember tasks for the office to get done in the morning more easily than remembering that we need to call the power company in the afternoon. Project managers can use reminders to get status updates, confirm deadlines, or create status reports.
Outside of the workplace, using reminders protects us from forgetting to do things, go places, make phone calls, or anything else you can think of that needs to be done. Even if you remember to make your car payment on the first of every month, have a recurring reminder set on your mobile device, or even mark it on your calendar each month, it almost guarantees that you'll never miss it. Because what if the day comes when it does.?
You can choose from a bunch of reminder tools. From Apps on Your Mobile Phone Put Reminders for iPhone to Better Use with the Right Apps and Tips Put Reminders for iPhone to Better Use with the Right Apps and Tips Adding reminders and calendar events to your iPhone should be a painless process, and it can be if Use the right apps and tricks to save time. Read More and tablets, to desktop apps and browser extensions, to simple sticky notes and wall calendars. These days, mobile apps are probably the most popular method because they can sync across multiple platforms, display a notification when you need it, and can't be accidentally lost or thrown away. You can also add reminders to your to-do lists or use simple and fun apps like MemoCool Plus.
A big part of being a Project Manager is having to rally the troops How to Handle Difficult People as an IT Project Manager How to Handle Difficult People as an IT Project Manager A project manager needs to bring different people together to build a successful project team. There are some soft skills you can call on to keep the project and the team going. Read more . Different pieces of a project and their tasks are often performed by multiple people. Being able to get updates from team members, give them incentives at times, and do so with respect is important to the success of the project. Unless you live alone, you probably have your own team of household members who perform and are responsible for different tasks.
Being able to keep everyone on their daily, weekly, or monthly tasks, and tasks can be done in a number of different ways. You can post a whiteboard or chore chart on the refrigerator or wall, listing each person's name and tasks, which can be checked off as they are completed. Templates Make It Even Easier 10 Incredibly Useful Spreadsheet Templates to Organize Your Life 10 Incredibly Useful Spreadsheet Templates to Organize Your Life Is your life a hotch-potch of missed deadlines, forgotten purchases, and reneged commitments? Sounds like you need to get organized. Read more.
Another method is to keep track of your homework and assignments electronically. Many products allow you to assign tasks to other people. So if your kids are a bit older or you live with multiple roommates, then sending tasks to everyone on the list can provide helpful reminders to get things done.
No matter which method works well for your home, keeping everyone on task and homework means your living space is more organized overall. And, if you have to push or shove someone to stay focused, remember that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Take advantage of the lists so that nothing is forgotten. . Whether you use pen and paper or an app on your phone, make lists of items you need at the store, clothes you need to pack for a trip, or places you need to go on errands, it means you don't have to forget nothing..
Also, take your time creating lists. These 3 Types of Lists Will Help You Be More Productive These 3 Types of Lists Will Help You Be More Productive When it comes to being organized and productive, the to-do list is the ultimate tool. Three types of lists could give you all the power you need without overcomplicating your planning. Read More If you're creating a packing list for your trip, for example, you might write down "Dress shoes," which should then prompt you to write down "dress socks." Or, for a grocery list, you might want to buy steaks for the grill, which will then ask you to pick up a side dish to go with them. Many task management tools, like the ones mentioned above, can be used for these simple lists.
Use email flags for easy location . If you get an email from your school notifying you of a deadline, one from your cousin about a birthday party, or a reminder notice from the phone company, mark these emails with a flag or star so they stand out..
If your inbox is inundated with newsletters, personal emails, announcements, and all those other messages you receive, chances are unlabeled but important emails are pushed to the bottom of the list out of sight and, therefore, out of mind. Many email applications, such as CloudMagic Email, and online clients therefore offer built-in reminders for emails to reappear at a time you set.
Test and incorporate the tools that suit you best. . We list some to-do list tools and reminder apps. Keep in mind that not all tools work well for every person or family. Just as different project managers have different styles for getting their jobs done, different people have different opinions about what tools work for them.
Try a few different task management tools before selecting the one you like. Take a look at various methods of organizing chores to see which one works best for your family. One you can check out that caters to households and includes projects, tasks, reminders, and shopping lists is Cozi.
If you are a Project Manager and would like to be added to this list, please feel free to include your suggestions below. Or, if you're just having trouble organizing some of the things discussed here and would like some advice or help, post your question or dilemma in the comments.
