Wouldn’t life be much simpler if a project was the task? If launching a website was simply putting the site on the internet and it’s ready to go? Unfortunately, projects are full of tasks that need to be done to execute the project successfully. Some tasks take almost no time like setting up a meeting, and some tasks may take a very long time such as defining a workflow to work across multiple layers of an organization. Whatever the case may be, there are very simple measures that can be taken to prioritize your task list to ensure your work gets done as scheduled.
Project management software
The tool I most often use is Basecamp, but there are many out there that can do the job. Online project management tools are a great way to manage your project and task list, but the benefit of these tools is often collaboration. If you are leading a team or interface with several others, online project management is a great way to share tasks and work. If Basecamp is not your thing, or if you would like some others to look at, take a look at the following:
- 5pm – This online tool offers a project/task hierarchy, Gantt charts, time tracking, client login and document management. This tool is all about project management, but it has opportunities for integration with other areas in the workplace.
- LiquidPlanner - This online tool provides multiple project management, team tracking, collaboration, Gantt charts and analysis tools. This is another tool with its key focus on project management.
- ProWorkFlow – This online tool was built specifically with organizations in mind, not individual project management teams. The goal of this software is to integrate project management with other business areas such as billing and customer management. A steeper learning curve is included.
White board
I love to use online tools, social media and other software to do my job, but there is something about using a white board to prioritize tasks. This is more of a personal option and tied to personal preference, but a white board does present the opportunity for brainstorming, diagramming and collaboration with your team. I use the white board by listing individual projects and tasks that are up to be completed to move on to the next step. The tasks listed are often marked by what milestones they are attributed to.
Daily planner
The daily planner is perhaps one of the older tools for project management. A planner can be used in a number of ways including: list meetings, milestones, key dates, phone calls and daily tasks. I keep one handy to take notes and list smaller tasks that need to take place on a day-to-day level.
Chime in: What tools do you use to prioritize and track your project tasks? Do you use anything unique?
