Page 16 – Official Teamly Blog – Official Teamly Blog

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024

Unlocking Your Potential: Mastering Self-Management Skills for Personal and Professional Success

Have you ever found yourself wondering how some people seem to have it all under control? They’re the ones who always meet deadlines, keep their cool in stressful situations, and still find time for a personal life. What’s their secret? It’s simple: self-management skills.

Self-management isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about managing your time, emotions, and priorities in a way that maximizes your productivity and keeps your stress levels low. Think of it as being the CEO of your own life. You’re in charge of your decisions, actions, and reactions. And just like a skilled CEO, you need a set of tools to manage everything effectively.

In a world where 24 hours never seem enough, mastering self-management skills is more important than ever. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of adults cite managing their time as a significant stressor. This is where the power of self-management comes into play. By harnessing these skills, you’re not just improving your efficiency; you’re enhancing your quality of life.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the realm of self-management. Whether you’re a business mogul, a creative freelancer, or a stay-at-home parent, these skills are universal and transformative. We’ll explore what self-management really means, why it’s essential, and how you can develop and refine these skills in your everyday life.

So, let’s embark on this journey together. By the end of this read, you’ll have a toolkit brimming with strategies, examples, and practical tips to elevate your self-management game. And the best part? You’ll start seeing results in both your personal and professional life. Let’s turn those stressful 24 hours into a day of accomplishments and fulfillment.

What Is Self-Management, and Why Does It Matter to You?

Self-management might seem like just another buzzword in the sea of productivity jargon. Yet, it’s far more crucial to your success than you might initially think. At its core, self-management is about taking control of your actions, emotions, and time, ensuring you’re the master of your own life, both personally and professionally. Let’s delve into what this really means and why it’s absolutely essential for you.

Definition and Importance

Self-management is the skill that enables you to direct your own activities towards the achievement of your objectives without needing constant supervision or guidance. It combines time management, emotional regulation, goal setting, and self-motivation to empower you to perform at your best.

Self-discipline and autonomy are at the heart of self-management. It’s about making informed decisions that align with your long-term goals, rather than being swayed by momentary distractions or impulses.
Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role, as managing your emotions effectively prevents stress from undermining your performance and well-being.

Understanding and mastering self-management transforms the way you work and live. It’s not just about ticking off tasks on your to-do list; it’s about doing the right tasks at the right time, in alignment with your deepest values and ambitions.

The Impact of Self-Management on Your Success

Effective self-management doesn’t just influence how much you can get done in a day; it fundamentally affects the trajectory of your career and personal life.

Here are a few ways how:

Improved productivity: By prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, you accomplish more with less effort.
Enhanced resilience: Managing your emotions and stress levels helps you navigate challenges more smoothly, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.
Better decision-making: With a clear understanding of your goals and priorities, you’re equipped to make decisions that propel you forward.

To illustrate, consider the story of a marketing professional who once struggled with meeting deadlines and managing client expectations. By adopting self-management techniques, such as setting clear priorities, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and practicing mindfulness to stay focused and calm, they were able to transform their approach to work. This not only led to a significant increase in client satisfaction but also opened up opportunities for career advancement.

Clarify What Self-Management Is

It’s crucial to recognize that self-management is not about micromanaging every second of your day. Rather, it’s about understanding your priorities and values and aligning your daily actions with them. This means saying no to tasks that don’t serve your goals and saying yes to activities that move you closer to your aspirations.

For professionals, this might mean delegating tasks that others can do so you can focus on what you do best.
For creatives, it involves setting aside uninterrupted time for deep work, away from the distractions of emails and social media.

In every aspect, self-management empowers you to live and work intentionally, making conscious choices about how you spend your time and energy.

Discuss Its Relevance in Everyday Life and Professional Settings

Self-management skills are universally applicable and critically important, whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply trying to juggle the demands of everyday life.

In a business context, self-management leads to better leadership, as you’re able to model the discipline and focus you want to see in your team.
For individual contributors, it means being able to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and contribute to projects in a meaningful way.

In essence, self-management is about taking charge of your life, leading by example, and making the most of the opportunities that come your way. By mastering these skills, you not only enhance your professional success but also improve your personal well-being and satisfaction.

Unlocking the Power of Self-Management: Key Strategies for Everyday Success

In the quest to master self-management, adopting certain strategies can make a world of difference in your daily life. Whether you’re navigating the demands of a bustling professional environment or striving for personal growth, these core strategies are your roadmap to achieving more with less stress.

Essential Self-Management Strategies

Effective self-management is built on a foundation of key practices that steer you towards achieving your goals while maintaining balance.

Here are some strategies to incorporate into your routine:

Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break down your long-term aspirations into short-term objectives. This makes them more manageable and gives you a clear direction. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Prioritize Tasks: Not all tasks are created equal. Use the Eisenhower Box or a similar tool to distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s important. This will help you focus on activities that align with your goals.
Time Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to different activities. By assigning tasks to specific time slots, you’ll reduce the temptation to multitask, leading to higher efficiency and lower stress levels.
Mindfulness and Reflection: Regularly take stock of your emotional and mental state. Mindfulness techniques can help you stay focused, while self-reflection can provide insights into how your actions align with your personal and professional goals.

Example: Consider a project manager juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. By setting clear, achievable goals for each project, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, allocating specific times for deep work, and reflecting on their progress, they can enhance their productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Tips for Implementation:

Start your day by listing your top priorities.
Use digital tools or planners for time blocking.
Allocate time for breaks and self-reflection to avoid burnout.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter obstacles on your path to effective self-management.

Here are some common challenges and strategies to overcome them:

Procrastination: This is often a result of feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and start with the easiest one to build momentum.
Distractions: The digital world offers endless distractions. Identify your main sources of distraction and set boundaries. Use apps that limit your use of social media or block distracting websites during work hours.
Time Management: Feeling like there’s never enough time in the day is a common issue. Audit how you spend your time for a week. You might discover time sinks that you can eliminate or reduce.
Staying Motivated: Motivation ebbs and flows. Connect your tasks to your larger goals or values to find intrinsic motivation. Reward yourself for completing tasks to maintain momentum.

Solutions:

For procrastination, try the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Create a designated workspace to minimize distractions and signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.
Use time tracking apps to gain insights into where your time goes and adjust accordingly.

By implementing these strategies and adjusting them to fit your personal and professional life, you’ll find that mastering self-management is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. It’s about making intentional choices that align with your goals, leading to a more productive, balanced, and fulfilling life.

Refining and Sustaining Your Self-Management Journey

As you navigate the path of enhancing your self-management skills, remember that this journey is as much about growth and adaptation as it is about achieving your immediate goals. Let’s explore the cyclical process of feedback and adjustment, the long-term benefits awaiting you, and the importance of patience and persistence. Finally, we’ll set forth actionable next steps to ensure you embark on this transformative journey with clarity and purpose.

Feedback and Adjustment Process

The journey of self-improvement is iterative. Seeking feedback on your self-management practices is crucial for identifying areas of strength and those requiring refinement. Regular self-assessment, coupled with insights from peers, mentors, or coaches, can illuminate the effectiveness of your strategies and highlight opportunities for adjustment.

Self-Assessment: Periodically review your goals and the strategies you’ve employed to meet them. Ask yourself what’s working, what isn’t, and why.
Feedback from Others: Constructive criticism from those you trust can provide external perspectives you might overlook. Embrace this feedback as a valuable tool for growth.

Long-term Benefits

Mastering self-management skills offers far-reaching benefits that extend beyond immediate productivity gains or stress reduction.

These skills lay the foundation for:

Career Advancement: Enhanced decision-making and prioritization abilities can propel you to new heights in your professional life, opening doors to leadership roles and opportunities.
Personal Growth: Committing to self-management fosters a mindset of continuous learning and self-reflection, essential components of personal development.
Improved Mental Health: By managing stress more effectively and aligning your actions with your values, you’ll experience greater emotional well-being.
Stronger Relationships: Effective self-management also improves your ability to maintain healthy boundaries and invest time and energy into nurturing significant relationships.

Encouragement for Patience and Persistence

Remember, developing robust self-management skills is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s normal to encounter setbacks as you strive to integrate new habits and practices into your life. Be patient with yourself and recognize that each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Persistence, coupled with a compassionate approach to self-improvement, will ensure you remain committed to your journey, even when the going gets tough.

Actionable Next Steps

Ready to take your self-management skills to the next level?

Here are some actionable steps to get you started:

Identify One Strategy to Implement: Choose one self-management strategy that resonates with you and commit to integrating it into your daily routine.
Set Specific, Measurable Goals: Clearly define what success looks like for your chosen strategy. Setting measurable goals will help you track your progress and stay motivated.
Seek Support: Whether it’s joining a community of like-minded individuals, finding a mentor, or working with a coach, don’t underestimate the power of support in your self-improvement journey.
Reflect and Adjust Regularly: Set aside time for regular reflection on your progress and be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed.

By embracing these steps, you’re not just committing to improving your self-management skills; you’re embarking on a lifelong journey of personal and professional growth. Let’s take this step forward together, with determination, openness to change, and a steadfast commitment to unlocking our full potential.

Conclusion: The Journey Towards Mastery

In the journey of life, mastering self-management is akin to navigating a ship with precision and care. It’s about steering through the waves of daily responsibilities, emotional challenges, and time constraints with grace and efficiency. By embracing the strategies discussed, from setting clear goals to practicing mindfulness and overcoming common obstacles, you’re not just surviving the day; you’re thriving in it.

Remember, the essence of self-management lies in making intentional choices that align with your deepest values and aspirations. It’s a continuous journey of growth, learning, and adaptation. Start by implementing one strategy at a time, and gradually, you’ll build a resilient, productive, and fulfilling life.

We invite you to share your journey, challenges, and victories in mastering self-management. Your experiences can inspire and enlighten others, creating a ripple effect of positive change. And if you’re eager to explore further, countless resources await to guide you deeper into this transformative path.

Let’s embark on this journey with determination and curiosity, knowing that each step we take is a step towards unlocking our full potential. The power to manage ourselves effectively is the greatest tool we have in achieving personal and professional success. Let’s harness it together.

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024

Let’s Talk: Mastering Open Communication in the Workplace

You’ve heard it time and again: open communication is key. But let’s peel back the layers here. It’s not just a trendy phrase tossed around in boardrooms or plastered in mission statements. It’s the lifeblood of a thriving workplace.

Imagine a world where messages are as clear as a bell, and feedback isn’t something you dread but welcome. This guide isn’t just about defining open communication; it’s about transforming it from a concept into a palpable, daily reality in your workspace.

Consider open communication as the Swiss Army knife in your toolkit. It’s not just for resolving conflicts or airing grievances. It’s about creating an environment where ideas flow as freely as coffee from the break room machine. Think about the times when a team member’s offhand comment led to a breakthrough idea. That’s open communication in its purest form – unscripted, genuine, and impactful.

You’re about to embark on a journey through the corridors of open communication. Along the way, you’ll encounter stories that resonate, statistics that reveal hidden truths, and actionable strategies that have transformed real businesses. Whether you’re a team leader, a project maestro, or a curious soul in the business world, this guide is your roadmap to fostering a culture where open communication isn’t just an aspiration but a daily reality.

Open Communication in the Workplace? Unboxing the Concept

When you delve into the core of open communication in the workplace, you’re not just opening a dialogue; you’re unlocking a treasure chest of opportunities.

Defining open communication – what it is and what it isn’t

Open communication isn’t merely exchanging pleasantries or holding meetings for the sake of meetings. It’s about creating a culture where transparency is the norm, not the exception. This means having channels where thoughts and concerns can be voiced without fear of reprisal or judgment. It’s where listening is as valued as speaking, and feedback is viewed as a gift, not a grievance.

The impact of open communication on workplace dynamics

Boosting morale and productivity: Let’s say you’re part of a team that communicates openly. You’ll notice the air feels different. There’s an energy, a buzz that comes from knowing your ideas are heard and valued. This isn’t just feel-good talk; it’s backed by data. According to a Salesforce study, employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.
Fostering trust and collaboration: Picture a workplace where trust is as common as coffee mugs. This trust isn’t born overnight; it’s nurtured through consistent, open communication. It’s about knowing that when you speak up, your words hold weight. This environment breeds collaboration, not competition. It’s where teams come together to solve problems, innovate, and drive the business forward.

In essence, open communication is the secret sauce to not just a successful business, but a fulfilling workplace. It’s about shifting from a culture of ‘me’ to ‘we’, where every member plays a crucial part in the orchestra of organizational success.

Hypothetical Scenarios: The Power of Open Communication

Dive into a realm of possibilities where open communication reigns supreme. These hypothetical scenarios, though not real, are rooted in common workplace challenges and illustrate the transformative potential of open dialogue.

Scenario: Tech Startup’s Culture Shift

Imagine “FutureTech,” a fledgling tech startup. Initially, its brilliant minds are bogged down by a culture of hierarchy and closed doors.

They introduce an “Idea Incubator” program, where everyone, from interns to executives, contributes ideas in a weekly brainstorming session. This leads to the development of a revolutionary app feature, catapulting FutureTech into the spotlight. Employee engagement soars, with a 40% increase in job satisfaction reported.

Scenario: Hospitality Chain’s Harmony

Envision “StayAwhile,” a national hotel chain with communication gaps between management and staff.

They launch a “Hospitality Harmony” initiative, fostering open forums and regular employee-manager one-on-ones. This results in enhanced guest experiences, a 30% reduction in staff turnover, and a series of new, employee-suggested hospitality services that significantly boost revenue and guest loyalty.

Envisioning the Impact: A New Era of Workplace Dynamics

In these imagined scenarios, a culture shift occurs. At FutureTech, the Idea Incubator becomes a breeding ground for cutting-edge tech solutions, fostering a sense of inclusivity and collective achievement. Employees feel valued, leading to a vibrant, innovative workplace.

Over at StayAwhile, the Hospitality Harmony initiative transforms the work environment. Staff feel respected and heard, leading to enhanced teamwork and a shared vision for success. This open communication approach leads to a noticeable improvement in guest satisfaction, as employees are more motivated and empowered to deliver exceptional service.

These hypothetical scenarios underscore the pivotal role open communication plays in reshaping business cultures. They demonstrate that, irrespective of the sector, adopting open communication strategies can lead to significant improvements in employee morale, innovation, and overall business success.

Breaking Down the Barriers: How to Cultivate Open Communication

Navigating the waters of workplace communication can often feel like sailing against the wind. The key? Identifying and dismantling the barriers that stifle open dialogue. This journey isn’t just about clearing the path; it’s about setting a new course for healthier, more productive communication.

Identifying Common Barriers to Open Communication

Fear of Repercussion – This barrier looms large in many workplaces. There’s a lurking apprehension about speaking up, especially when it involves critiquing management or presenting a bold idea. The worry? There’ll be negative consequences.
Hierarchical Hurdles – In many organizations, a rigid hierarchy can stifle communication. It’s the invisible yet towering wall that often stops ideas and concerns from moving up the chain of command.
Cultural Clashes – Diverse workplaces are rich in ideas but can also face challenges. Misunderstandings and differing communication styles can inadvertently create barriers.

Strategies to Dismantle These Barriers and Encourage Open Dialogue

Creating a Safe Space – Establishing an environment where employees feel safe to voice their thoughts is paramount. This means not just saying, “Your opinion matters,” but showing it. Hold regular forums where team members can speak freely. Celebrate diverse viewpoints, and make it clear that retaliation or negative consequences for constructive feedback are not tolerated.
Flattening the Communication Hierarchy – Encourage a culture where ideas can flow freely across levels. This might involve setting up cross-functional teams, hosting joint brainstorming sessions, or having ‘open door’ periods with senior management. The goal is to make every voice feel valued, regardless of rank.
Embracing Cultural Diversity in Communication – Recognize and respect different communication styles. Offer training sessions on effective communication that respect cultural nuances. Foster an environment of learning and understanding, where cultural differences are seen as a strength, not a barrier.
Feedback Loops and Continuous Improvement – Implementing regular feedback loops is critical. These can be surveys, suggestion boxes, or informal chats. The key is to act on the feedback received. Let your team see their input being valued and considered, creating a ripple effect of trust and openness.
Leadership by Example – Leaders must walk the talk. When management is transparent in their communication and open to feedback, it sets a tone for the rest of the organization. Lead by example; show vulnerability, admit mistakes, and demonstrate how open communication leads to positive outcomes.
Training and Development – Invest in training programs that focus on communication skills. Whether it’s workshops on effective listening, conflict resolution, or expressing ideas clearly, these skills are the building blocks of open communication.

By addressing these barriers head-on and implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a workplace where open communication isn’t just an ideal – it’s the reality. This shift doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a voyage. But remember, the most significant changes often start with a single conversation.

The Art of Conversation: Tips for Effective Open Communication

Diving into open communication isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about mastering the art of conversation. This art form is essential for every level in the workplace, from the ground floor to the executive suite.

Practical Tips for Employees at All Levels to Communicate Openly

Listening Skills – Hearing Beyond Words
- True listening is an art. It’s about tuning into not just what is said, but how it’s said. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, the tone of voice, and the emotions behind the words. Reflective listening, where you paraphrase what you’ve heard to confirm understanding, can be a game-changer in ensuring you’re on the same page.
Constructive Feedback – The Sandwich Method
- Feedback is a delicate balance. The sandwich method is a tactful approach. Start with positive feedback, follow with the area of improvement, and then end on another positive note. This method helps in softening the impact of critique and makes the recipient more receptive to change.
Regular Check-Ins: Not Just for Status Updates
- Regular check-ins shouldn’t be a tick-box exercise. Use these as opportunities to genuinely connect with your team. Ask open-ended questions that encourage dialogue beyond work tasks. This builds rapport and opens doors for more meaningful exchanges.

Open Communication and Leadership: A Match Made in Workplace Heaven

The Role of Leadership in Championing Open Communication
- Leaders are the torchbearers of workplace culture. Their approach to communication can set the tone for the entire organization. Leaders who prioritize transparency, encourage open dialogue, and actively listen to their teams can create a ripple effect of positive communication practices throughout the organization.
Examples of Leadership Styles that Promote Open Dialogue
- Consider the approachable leader, one who’s always got an open door and a ready ear. They create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Then there’s the empathetic leader, who connects on a personal level, understanding and addressing the emotions and motivations of their team. And let’s not forget the democratic leader, who seeks input from all team members and fosters a sense of collective decision-making.

Whether you’re an entry-level employee or a seasoned leader, mastering the art of conversation in the workplace is pivotal. It’s about creating a culture where every voice is valued and every opinion is considered. In such an environment, open communication becomes the norm, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration that drives both individual and organizational success.

Measuring the Impact: How to Know if You’re Doing it Right

Understanding if you’re on the right track with open communication in your workplace involves looking at specific metrics and indicators. One effective way is through employee engagement surveys.

These surveys can reveal the comfort level of employees in expressing ideas and concerns, and an improvement over time is a good sign. Another critical metric is turnover and retention rates. A decrease in turnover often indicates that employees feel heard and valued, thanks to better communication. Also, keep an eye on the number and quality of new ideas and solutions generated within teams, as this can indicate effective open communication.

To continuously improve, consider implementing 360-degree feedback systems for a comprehensive view of your organization’s communication. Regular training sessions on communication skills, ranging from conflict resolution to effective listening, are also vital. Additionally, holding open forums and town hall meetings where employees can freely voice their opinions helps maintain open communication.

Conclusion: Open Communication – The Path Forward

Open communication is more than a concept; it’s the lifeblood of a thriving organizational culture. It’s about fostering a space where diverse ideas are welcomed, and every voice is heard and matters.

The path to effective open communication requires commitment, patience, and a willingness to continually adapt and improve. Start by introducing new feedback channels or dedicating team meetings to open discussions. Embrace this journey of transformation, and witness your workplace evolve into a hub of engagement, productivity, and innovation.

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024

The Best Accounting Project Management Software in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

Get ready to revolutionize your accounting firm in 2024 with our ultimate guide to the best accounting project management software! Imagine transforming your daily grind into a streamlined, high-octane experience. That’s exactly what we’re offering – a virtual treasure map leading you to the hidden gems of accounting software.

In this no-nonsense guide, we’ll start by exploring what accounting project management software is and why it has such game-changing potential for your firm’s productivity.

Next, we’ll guide you through the key factors essential for evaluating your business needs and spotlight the must-have features that can truly elevate your accounting management game. Plus, we’ll reveal our handpicked selection of 10 top-tier accounting project management tools, each a superstar in its own right.

So, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the world of accounting project management software, where we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your firm’s unique needs. Let’s get started!

Understanding Accounting Project Management Software

Before we dig deep, let’s first unpack what accounting project management software really is.

Picture this: a centralized hub that streamlines all your projects. It’s a tool that helps you manage deadlines, track billable time, oversee client portfolios, and keep all your accounting tasks in check.

In simple terms, it’s your go-to platform for organizing every aspect of accounting project management, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Why Use Accounting Project Management Software?

Accounting project management software is more than just a tool; it’s the key to unlocking a new realm of efficiency and collaboration. Let’s explore the five big benefits this software brings to the table.

1. Turbocharge Your Project Management: Accounting project management software isn’t just about keeping projects on track; it’s about propelling them forward! Imagine seamlessly juggling multiple tasks, from inception to invoicing, all within a singular, user-friendly platform. It’s like having a command center at your fingertips, ensuring every project runs like a well-oiled machine.

2. Improve Team Collaboration: Break down the walls of traditional office boundaries. Whether your team is across the hall or across the globe, accounting project management software bridges the gap. Share updates, swap files, and exchange feedback instantly. This software turns your team into a collaborative powerhouse, sparking connections and synergy, no matter where everyone is located.

3. Precision in Time Management: Say goodbye to rough time estimates. Some accounting project management tools offer precise time tracking features, capturing every minute of work with accuracy. This not only ensures precise billing, but also boosts accountability and transparency across your team. What’s more, this precision is a testament to your firm’s professionalism and reliability.

4. Strengthen Client Relationships: In the fast-paced world of accounting, earning and maintaining client trust isn’t just important, it’s your key to success. With the sleek organization and seamless communication capabilities of accounting project management software, staying in sync with your clients’ needs becomes a breeze. This isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about consistently delivering experiences that leave your clients thoroughly impressed. The real payoff? Clients who are not just content but genuinely delighted!

5. Insights for Strategic Growth: With the advanced reporting features of accounting project management software, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your financial health, identify key areas for growth, and confidently make strategic decisions. It’s like having a crystal ball, offering a clear and informed view of your firm’s potential future trajectory, all enabled by the powerful capabilities of your accounting project management tool.

As you can see, using accounting project management software isn’t just a choice. It’s a strategic move towards operational excellence – fueling greater clarity, more control, and steady growth.

By equipping your organization with this powerful ally, you can transform your day-to-day operations into a streamlined, efficient powerhouse. But before making an investment in accounting project management software, you’ll first want to take an in-depth look at the needs of your business.

Identifying The Ideal Accounting Project Management Software For Your Business Needs

Picking the right accounting project management software is super important, no matter if you’re a startup or a big player. But here’s the catch: it’s not just about what you need today. You’ve also got to think ahead, predicting what your business will need as it grows.

In this section, we’re going to walk you through it all. We’ll talk about the essential features that make great software, how the size of your business and the industry you’re in can sway your decision, and the importance of thinking about the future of your business when making your choice.

What’s our aim? We want to help you find software that not only ticks all the boxes for your current needs but is also ready to evolve with your business. By thinking ahead, you can avoid the hassle of switching software too often, which means saving both time and money down the line.

So, let’s jump in and explore the key software features you should be looking out for in your ideal solution.

7 Essential Features to Consider in Accounting Project Management Software

When you’re sifting through your options for accounting project management software, here are a few standout features you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for:

Customizable Workflows: Your business is one-of-a-kind, and you need software that can keep up with your unique way of doing things. Choose a customizable solution that can mold to your specific business processes. The goal here is to find software that adapts to your business, not the other way around.
User-Friendly Interface: You want something that’s a breeze to use, especially for teams that aren’t super techy. An intuitive interface means everyone can jump in faster, cutting down on training time and costs.
Real-Time Collaboration Tools: Choose software that enables your team to collaborate in real time, share updates, and communicate seamlessly on projects. This feature is vital for maintaining team synergy and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Scalability: Your chosen software should be able to grow with your business, handling increasing workloads and user numbers without breaking a sweat.
Security and Compliance: Given that you’re dealing with sensitive financial data, top-notch security isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. Plus, the software should be on point with any financial regulations and standards in your industry.
Financial Reporting and Analytics: You’ll want powerful tools that give you the lowdown on your financial health, helping you make smart decisions.
Time Tracking: Whether it’s for billing, figuring out where your team’s time is going, or just trying to be more productive, this feature is a game-changer.

The takeaway? If you find software that ticks these boxes, you’re on your way to making your accounting tasks a whole lot smoother and your team more productive. But hold up before you whip out that business credit card – to find your perfect software fit, you’ll also want to think about your company’s size and industry.

Tailoring Accounting Project Management Software to Your Company Size and Industry

Choosing accounting project management software is not a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s about finding that perfect match that just gets what your company needs.

For example, if you’re running a small business or launching a startup, you’re likely hunting for software that’s as straightforward as your morning coffee and easy on the wallet. You need the essentials – a tool that gets the job done without the fancy frills that are more suited for the big players.

Now, if you’re steering a larger ship or a business that’s picking up speed, your wishlist is going to look a bit different. You need software with some extra muscle – think detailed reporting, the capacity for a whole crew to work together seamlessly, and the flexibility to mesh with various business processes. This is about painting a full picture of your business’ health and steering it in the right direction.

And here’s something else you don’t want to overlook – the industry you’re in plays a huge role. Every sector has its own special blend of accounting requirements. For instance, if you’re in the construction biz, you’ll want software that’s ace at tracking project costs and budgets. If you’re in retail, keeping tabs on your inventory is probably your top priority. Understanding these industry-specific needs is crucial – it goes beyond just picking any good software; it’s about selecting the one that aligns perfectly with your unique business needs.

The Importance of Future-Proofing

Choosing software that’s future-proof isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s pretty much essential for your business strategy. It’s about looking beyond the here and now, thinking about where your business is headed in the next few years. The digital world and business landscapes are always on the move, so the software you pick needs to be flexible enough to keep up with these changes.

When we talk about future-proofing, we’re talking about picking software that grows as your business grows. Whether you’re ramping up your customer base, adding new services, or expanding your team, your software should be able to handle these changes without missing a beat. This could mean needing more storage, better user access options, or more advanced analytics tools.

Also, as technology keeps advancing, your software shouldn’t be stuck in the past. It needs to be on board with the latest tech trends and ready to adapt to new ways of doing business. This might involve updates to keep up with new accounting rules, being able to work with the latest tools, or even using AI for better analytics and predictions.

In short, when you’re picking your accounting project management software, it’s crucial to think about both what you need right now and what you’ll need down the road. The right software should not only fit your current operations but also be a reliable partner for your business’ future, ready to tackle new challenges and seize new opportunities.

The Best Project Management Software for Accounting Firms in 2024

In this section, we’ll look at the cream of the crop in accounting project management software solutions. As we examine the best tools on the market, we’ll delve into the features, pricing, pros, and cons of each solution, so you make the right choice for your firm’s specific requirements.

1. Teamly

Teamly is a versatile and affordable project management tool that’s ideal for small to mid-sized accounting firms and solopreneurs. For a surprisingly budget-friendly price, Teamly bundles all must-have functionalities into a one-stop solution, so users can enjoy real-time chat, workflow and task management, screen cam recording, financial reporting, time tracking, and payroll – without having to juggle multiple, pricey software subscriptions.

Even better, Teamly’s customizable Kanban-style workflows and task creation features are a breeze to use, making it simple for accounting teams to handle everything from the initial stages of tax preparation to the intricacies of audit processes. With the ability to assign tasks, set priorities, and establish deadlines, Teamly helps users keep every project on track.

Another standout feature of Teamly is its exceptional customer support. Not only does Teamly offer the standard email support, but it also provides a live chat option – a feature notably rare in this industry. Remarkably, this level of support extends even to free plan users, demonstrating Teamly’s commitment to accessible, high-quality service for all.

This combination of advanced features and unparalleled support makes Teamly a highly attractive, budget-friendly solution in the accounting project management space.

Teamly G2 Rating: 4.8/5

Teamly Pricing:

Free Always Plan: $0/month, unlimited users
Starter Plan: $37/month billed annually, unlimited users
Business Plan: Starts at $67/month billed annually, unlimited users

Teamly Pros:

Versatile, all-in-one solution that includes chat, workflow and task management, screen cam recording, financial reporting, time tracking, and payroll
Intuitive and user-friendly for quick team onboarding
Create unlimited customized workflows with Kanban boards, giving access to as many internal or external users as you like.
Mobile app availability for both Apple and Android devices, so accountants can manage tasks and collaborate while on the move
100+ customizable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Kanban board templates, and checklists makes it easy for accounting teams to establish best practices
Excellent live chat customer support, available to all users.
Budget-friendly with a free plan for unlimited users, as well as scalable paid options.

Teamly Cons:

Limited integrations (as of yet)
Currently lacks the ability to schedule chat messages for future delivery

2. BigTime

BigTime really stands out as a go-to software for accounting pros. It’s packed with everything needed to manage client work and internal projects with a flair for efficiency. At its core, BigTime excels at precise time tracking and billing. As a result, accountants can keep a sharp eye on billable hours, making sure every minute counts, especially in firms where time literally translates to money.

But BigTime isn’t just about watching the clock; it’s also a whiz at project management. Its PM features include detailed task and workflow management, budgeting, and reporting capabilities, all designed to keep projects on track and within budget. These tools are a boon for accountants, letting them create tailor-made financial reports that offer deep insights. This not only helps in making smart decisions but also in keeping clients in the loop and the firm’s finances healthy.

BigTime G2 Rating: 4.5/5

BigTime Pricing:

Essentials Plan: $20/user per month
Advanced Plan: $35/user per month
Premier Plan: $45/user per month
Projector Plan: From $60/user per month

BigTime Pros:

Efficient time tracking for billing accuracy
Customizable invoicing for client specifics
Real-time budget monitoring and reporting
Automated workflow for repetitive tasks
Detailed project profitability analysis
Robust expense tracking and management

BigTime Cons:

“Downsides are the communication tools. We’ve tried multiple times to set up automatic email notifications to staff and managers about timesheet and expense report approvals, but the information is almost always wrong and we’ve never been able to dial in the correct logic for recipients and approvers.”

– G2 Review

“Customizing your own report is not straightforward, and we usually end up reaching out to customer service for assistance.”

– TrustRadius Review

3. Jetpack Workflow

Jetpack Workflow is specifically designed for accounting firms, with a focus on streamlining repetitive tasks and client management. Its intuitive interface helps users manage deadlines and workflows, ensuring that every detail is tracked and accounted for. Additionally, Jetpack Workflow helps to improve productivity by reducing time spent on administrative tasks, allowing accountants to focus more on client service and strategic financial planning.

The platform also offers robust features such as automated deadline

reminders, comprehensive client databases, and document storage, making it an efficient solution for managing the complexities of accounting work. With its integration capabilities, Jetpack Workflow connects seamlessly with other accounting software, creating a unified and efficient workflow for accounting professionals.

Jetpack Workflow G2 Rating: 4.1/5

Jetpack Workflow Pricing:

Organize Plan: $45/user per month, billed annually
Scale Plan: $45/user per month, billed annually

Jetpack Workflow Pros

Tailored specifically for accounting firms
Streamlines repetitive tasks and client management
Automated deadline reminders to improve efficiency
Comprehensive client databases and document storage
Intuitive interface for easy workflow management
Integrates with popular accounting software

Jetpack Workflow Cons:

“This product is limited to a specific wheelhouse. We quickly outgrew the product and needed more features. We sought more of a CRM that could help us manage emails as a team, and we needed a mobile app to work on the go.”

– G2 Review

“I switched to a different software that included many more features such as a client portal, automations, document storage, and website included. I felt it was a better use of time and money having all of the features in one app.”

– Capterra Review

4. Asana

Asana is a versatile project management tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features beneficial to those in accounting. Its streamlined interface allows accounting teams to precisely manage complex projects, breaking them down into manageable tasks. This is crucial for handling multiple clients, adhering to financial deadlines, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

The platform’s strength lies in fostering team collaboration while ensuring individual accountability. Accountants can easily track critical deadlines and budget constraints in a user-friendly environment. Asana’s integration with popular accounting software streamlines workflows, making it a comprehensive and efficient choice for financial project management.

Asana G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Asana Pricing:

Personal Plan: $0/user per month, up to 10 users
Starter Plan: $10.99/user per month, billed annually – up to 500 users
Advanced Plan: $24.99/user per month, billed annually – up to 500 users
Enterprise Plan: Contact sales
Enterprise+ Plan: Contact sales

Asana Pros:

Multiple project views including Kanban, calendar, and Gantt
Customizable fields can be tailored to specific accounting needs
Integrates with leading accounting software
Fosters collaboration with discussion threads and real-time updates
Workflow automations save time and reduce errors
Custom dashboards and detailed reporting

Asana Cons:

“… [Asana’s] interface could be less cluttered with options, as this aspect often poses difficulties for my team members. Indeed, my collaborators have difficulty finding and using some of the platform’s specific functionalities.”

– Capterra Review

“The sync between Asana and other tools could be better. While it seems to sync well with things like Slack, the sync with Google Calendar is mediocre at best.”

– G2 Review

5. Smartsheet

Smartsheet offers a sophisticated platform for accounting teams, helping them manage their financial projects with greater efficiency. Its powerful spreadsheet-like interface combines the familiarity of traditional spreadsheets with advanced project management tools. This combination is ideal for accountants who require precision and flexibility in handling complex financial data and project timelines.

The platform excels in providing real-time collaboration and visibility, crucial for teams dealing with intricate accounting tasks. Smartsheet’s advanced features allow for detailed tracking of project progress, budgeting, and compliance, ensuring that every financial detail is accounted for and aligned with project objectives.

Smartsheet G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Smartsheet Pricing:

Free Plan: $0/user per month, one user max, up to two editors
Pro Plan: $7/user per month, billed annually, 10 users max, unlimited editors
Business Plan: $25/user per month, billed annually, 3 users min, unlimited editors
Enterprise Plan: Contact sales

Smartsheet Pros:

Familiar spreadsheet-based interface for accountants
Offers chat, file sharing, and live editing
Advanced reporting for financial analysis and decision-making
Allocation and tracking of resources and expenses
Customizable views including Gantt, grid, and calendar
Automated workflows streamline repetitive task

Smartsheet Cons:

“There are some limitations to customization capabilities for automated notifications, formula limitations (smartsheet is not a 1:1 mirror of excel capabilities), extremely limited capability to display charts and graphs, non user friendly pivot tables, and sheet capacity limitations that can be frustrating when working with large datasets.”

– G2 Review

“Smartsheet could be more user friendly and easier to navigate quickly. I also wish it was better able to auto-save projects in real time.”

–Capterra Review

6. ClickUp

ClickUp is rapidly becoming a favorite in the accounting world for its dynamic and flexible project management capabilities. It stands out for its ability to adapt to the diverse needs of accounting professionals, offering customizable views and task management features that cater to various project types and sizes. This adaptability is crucial for accountants who juggle multiple clients, financial reports, and strict deadlines.

The platform’s intuitive design simplifies complex project tracking and ensures efficient workflow management. ClickUp’s comprehensive suite of tools aids in organizing, prioritizing, and executing accounting tasks, making it a vital asset for meeting the meticulous demands of financial management.

ClickUp G2 Rating: 4.7/5

ClickUp Pricing:

Free Forever Plan: $0/user per month, unlimited users
Unlimited Plan: $7/user per month, billed annually
Business Plan: $12/user per month, billed annually
Enterprise Plan: Contact sales

ClickUp Pros:

Customizable accounting workflows and templates
Integrated time tracking for billing and productivity analysis
Goal tracking for financial objectives
Integrations with leading accounting software and other work tools
Mind Maps for financial planning visualization
Advanced reporting for tracking project progress and financial health

ClickUp Cons:

“The biggest inconvenience I’ve noticed is that ClickUp sometimes operates slower than we might expect. Especially when reloading large projects or navigating between different views, the tool may experience some delays. This can be frustrating, particularly in situations when we are pressed for time. However, this is usually a problem only when dealing with a large amount of data.”

–G2 Review

“The data is hit or miss. Tasks report the incorrect status, values in fields randomly are missing from time to time, users sometimes disappear, lists are not in alphabetical order (meanwhile the support and dev contacts at ClickUp maintain that they are – even in the face of screenshots wherein they are not).”

–TrustRadius Review

7. Financial Cents

Financial Cents really shines when it comes to managing the intricate details of accounting projects. Tailored for accounting professionals, this platform effortlessly handles complex tasks, automates the mundane, and brings a new level of organization to client management. It’s all about precision here, a non-negotiable in the world of accounting, and Financial Cents delivers on this front with its focus on workflow efficiency and accuracy.

Navigating the software is a breeze, too. It’s designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring that even the most complex accounting projects feel manageable. Plus, its collaboration tools and deadline tracking are top-notch, keeping teams in sync and projects on track. For accounting firms looking to up their project management game, Financial Cents is a go-to choice, blending ease of use with powerful, professional-grade features.

Financial Cents G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Financial Cents Pricing:

Team Plan: $39/user per month, billed annually
Scale Plan: $59/user per month, billed annually

Financial Cents Pros:

Designed specifically for accounting firms
Streamlined client management system
Customizable workflows for accounting tasks
Real-time project progress updates
Integrated time tracking for accurate billing
User-friendly interface simplifies navigation

Financial Cents Cons:

“Financial Cents has poor customer support. The only option is online chat support which regularly takes 30 minutes or more to get a response. Often the responses aren’t helpful …”

–G2 Review

“They are still the new kids on the block, so still releasing a ton of updates. I just hope they don’t go too far and end up convoluting the software.”

– Capterra Review

8. ProProfs Project

ProProfs Project is a standout in the accounting sector for its adept project management capabilities. Specifically designed for accountants, it excels in organizing and tracking multiple projects, taking those complicated timelines and breaking them down into something you can actually handle. Plus, its interface is so straightforward, you spend less time setting up and more time getting stuff done.

What really sets ProProfs Project apart is how it makes working together so much easier. For accounting, where every number has to be just right, being able to coordinate with your team smoothly is key. The software has time tracking and robust reporting, making it a breeze to keep an eye on billable hours and whip up those detailed financial reports. It’s this mix of being easy to use, precise, and great for teamwork that makes ProProfs Project a go-to for accountants who want a project management tool that’s both efficient and effective.

ProProfs Project G2 Rating: 4.4/5

ProProfs Project Pricing:

Annual Plan: $39.97/month, unlimited users, billed annually

ProProfs Project Pros:

Facilitates effective team collaboration
Accurate integrated time tracking
Comprehensive financial reporting features
Customizable workflow options
Real-time progress updates
Efficient resource management tools

ProProfs Project Cons:

“The tool doesn’t offer automation features. Having these features would really enable me to offload quite a few of my tasks so that I can give dedicated attention to more important tasks.”

–G2 Review

“Limited integration: I wish the tool had more integration options.”

– TrustRadius Review

9. Notion

Notion is really making waves in the accounting sector, and it’s easy to see why. It’s this all-in-one platform that blends note-taking, data organization, and project management – a combo that hits just the right note for accountants. Whether it’s about keeping financial spreadsheets in order or jotting down important client notes, Notion pulls it all together in one neat, accessible place. For accountants drowning in details, this is a game-changer.

Then there’s the collaboration aspect – Notion is a real team player. It allows accounting teams to work together smoothly, updating things on the go and keeping everyone in the loop. The platform is not just about bringing people together; it’s about making workflows easier with customizable templates. These templates are tailor-made for accounting tasks, adding that extra layer of efficiency.

Notion G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Notion Pricing:

Free Plan: $0/month for individuals
Plus Plan: $8/user per month
Business Plan: $15/user per month
Enterprise Plan: Contact sales

Notion Pros:

Integrates notes and data management
Facilitates clear project tracking
Supports comprehensive document storage
Enhances team collaboration in real-time
Customizable templates for accounting workflows
Streamlines client management processes

Notion Cons:

“What I liked least about Notion can be its steep learning curve for new users. The very flexibility that makes it powerful can also be overwhelming at first, and it may take time to fully leverage its capabilities.”

–Capterra Review

“Random freezes: When changing between Notion and other apps on my laptop, it would freeze and show a blank screen for a couple of seconds to a minute.”

–TrustRadius Review

10. Teamwork

Teamwork is making quite a splash in the accounting world, thanks to its solid project management skills. It’s really good at meeting the diverse demands of accounting projects. We’re talking about a full suite of features here – from assigning tasks to tracking time and handling invoices. Its interface is super user-friendly, and you can customize the project boards to your heart’s content, which is a big plus for accountants who need to be spot-on with financial records and client projects.

In the accounting realm, what makes Teamwork stand out is how it weaves together the must-have project management elements with the nitty-gritty of accounting tasks. It’s all about making financial task management smoother, ensuring you’re on point with tracking and managing project details. Plus, its emphasis on teamwork and clear communication really amps up team coordination and overall productivity.

Teamwork G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Teamwork Pricing:

Free Plan: $0/month, up to 5 users
Starter Plan: $5.99 user/month, billed annually, 3 user minimum
Deliver Plan: $9.99 user/month, billed annually, 3 user minimum
Grow Plan: $19.99 user/month, billed annually, 5 user minimum

Teamwork Pros:

Manage billing and invoicing seamlessly within projects
Monitor billable hours and project profitability with time tracking
Adapt customizable project boards to your accounting processes
Assign and track tasks for deadline management
Boost client engagement with a dedicated client portal
Facilitate team communication with robust collaboration tools

Teamwork Cons:

“I am still not a big fan of the mobile application. It needs major improvements. Onboarding was a bit of a hassle in the beginning. It took me some time to figure out the best way to onboard my team. It would’ve been nice to suggest a series of emails that can help the team get onboarded. I had to create my own series of emails to onboard the team.”

–G2 Review

“Like many project management software interfaces, the client options could use some work.”

– Teamwork Review

Wrapping Up Your Quest for The Ideal Accounting Project Management Software

So, there you have it – our deep dive into the world of accounting project management software. We’ve journeyed through what makes these tools a game-changer, from turbocharging your project management to sharpening your team’s collaboration skills. It’s clear that the right software doesn’t just keep your projects ticking; it transforms how your team interacts, tracks time, and connects with clients.

And where does Teamly fit into all this? Well, think of Teamly as that savvy tool in your arsenal that’s ready to take on whatever your accounting firm throws at it. It’s not just about handling your day-to-day tasks; it’s about revving up your firm’s efficiency and helping you stay ahead of the game.

What really sets Teamly apart is how it brings everything you need into one place. We’re talking real-time chat, time tracking, financial reporting, screen cam recordings, payroll – the works. Plus, with customizable workflows and over 100 custom SOPs, checklists, and templates, Teamly makes it as easy as can be for teams to get things done.

Best part? Teamly is free forever, regardless of your team size. That’s right – whether you’re flying solo or part of a bustling firm, Teamly’s got you covered without costing a dime.

So why not give Teamly a try? With all the essential functions to support both in-person and remote collaboration, it’s tailor-made for accounting teams that are serious about stepping up their game. Dive in and see how Teamly can reshape the way your firm operates – because when it comes to managing your accounting projects, why settle for less?

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024

Embracing Your Inner Leader: Unpacking the Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

You’ve seen them—those leaders who just have ‘it.’

They navigate complex situations with grace, inspire teams without breaking a sweat, and seem to always know just what to say. That’s emotional intelligence (EQ) at play. It’s not about being the smartest in the room; it’s about being the most tuned in.

Unraveling the Essence of Emotional Intelligence in the Realm of Leadership

Think of EQ as your secret sauce. It’s that intangible element that elevates good leaders to great. It encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. But it’s more than just being nice or understanding others’ feelings. It’s about leveraging that understanding to connect, motivate, and lead effectively.

Key Components That Make a Leader Not Just Smart, but Emotionally Intelligent

Self-Awareness: You know your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. You’re the captain who knows their ship inside and out.
Self-Regulation: This is about keeping your cool. It’s handling stress without lashing out or compromising your values.
Motivation: An emotionally intelligent leader isn’t just driven by external rewards. Your drive comes from within, propelling you towards your goals.
Empathy: This isn’t just about feeling for others; it’s about understanding their perspectives, forging deeper connections, and building trust.
Social Skills: This is where your EQ becomes visible. It’s how you navigate social complexities, build networks, and influence others positively.

Are You Listening to Your Emotions?

Emotional intelligence is not just about feelings; it’s about strategic responses. It’s recognizing that emotions are data, offering insights into both your internal state and your team’s dynamics. You’re not just reacting; you’re responding with awareness and intention.

In a study by TalentSmart, emotionally intelligent leaders were found to account for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart. Their secret? They read the room. They sense unspoken concerns and address them. They inspire and drive their teams not just with logic but with emotional connection.

Remember, leading with EQ isn’t a one-off task. It’s a continual journey of self-improvement and understanding. As you grow in your EQ, you’re not just becoming a better leader; you’re evolving into a more fulfilled, effective, and impactful individual.

Why Should You Care? Beyond IQ: Why EQ is Your Secret Weapon

You’ve aced your technical skills, but there’s something more that can set you apart in the leadership arena. It’s not just about IQ anymore. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is your ace in the hole, the subtle force that propels leaders from good to unforgettable.

Leadership isn’t just about strategies and plans. It’s about people. EQ steps in where spreadsheets and Gantt charts fall short. It’s about understanding and influencing the human element in business. That’s where true leadership brilliance lies.

When EQ Makes All the Difference

Case Study: Satya Nadella, Microsoft

Before EQ: Microsoft, once the unchallenged titan of the tech world, was grappling with stagnation and a culture resistant to change. Innovation seemed to lag behind its competitors.
After EQ: Enter Satya Nadella, a leader not just with a vision for technology, but a profound understanding of human dynamics. He shifted the company’s focus from just knowing to understanding, from competing to empowering. This cultural overhaul led to more collaborative teams, a boost in employee morale, and an invigorated approach to innovation.
The Result? A resounding turnaround in Microsoft’s fortunes. The company’s stock value soared, and it regained its position as a leader in tech innovation, all thanks to a leadership style that valued EQ over mere technical prowess.

The Coffee Shop Owner Who Knew Everyone’s Name

Small Business, Big Impact: Picture a local coffee shop where the owner greets each customer by name, remembers their favorite orders, and takes time to engage in genuine conversations. This isn’t just good customer service; it’s emotional intelligence in action.
Building a Community: This approach transforms a simple coffee shop into a community hub. Customers don’t just come for the coffee; they come for the connection. The owner’s EQ creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, leading to loyal customers and a thriving business.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Modern Leadership

In today’s data-driven world, where technology often overshadows human interaction, leaders who excel in EQ bring a much-needed balance.

They understand that at the core of every business are people – employees, customers, and stakeholders – all driven by emotions and relationships.

This understanding helps them navigate complex team dynamics, foster a positive work environment, and build strong, loyal customer relationships. It’s about striking that delicate balance between the head and the heart in decision-making and leadership.

Adaptability in Changing Times: How EQ Keeps You Ahead

Change is the only constant in the business world. Leaders with high EQ excel in these evolving landscapes. They’re adept at reading emotional undercurrents and adapting their strategies accordingly.

They don’t just react to change; they anticipate and prepare for it. This foresight enables them to guide their teams through uncertainties and challenges, not merely surviving but thriving. They understand that adaptability isn’t just about changing course; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to embrace the journey of change.

Transforming Leadership: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Now than Ever

Navigating New Leadership Landscapes with EQ

You’re no stranger to the fact that the business world is evolving rapidly. With teams becoming more diverse and workplaces increasingly virtual, the old command-and-control style of leadership is losing its grip. Here’s where your EQ comes in. It’s your GPS in this new terrain. It helps you understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration.

Think about the last time you faced a team conflict. With high EQ, you’re not just resolving issues; you’re preemptively sensing them and understanding the underlying emotions and motivations. This not only prevents conflicts but also builds a team that feels valued and understood.

The Evolving Workplace: Why Traditional Leadership Models are Fading

Gone are the days when leaders were seen as distant figures issuing orders from their ivory towers. The digital age demands a more connected, empathetic approach. You’re leading a team that values transparency, openness, and, above all, authenticity.

Employees now seek leaders who are approachable, who can mentor and inspire, not just instruct. They want a leader who doesn’t just talk but listens – truly listens. In this landscape, your EQ isn’t just an asset; it’s your ticket to effective, meaningful leadership.

How Emotional Intelligence Equips You for These Changes

Emotional intelligence equips you with the skills to navigate these shifting sands. It’s about more than just understanding emotions; it’s about using this understanding to communicate more effectively, resolve disputes, and make informed decisions.

For example, when rolling out a new policy, an EQ-savvy leader will anticipate and address concerns, effectively communicate the reasons, and ensure everyone’s on board. This isn’t just about getting buy-in; it’s about making each team member feel part of the process. That’s the hallmark of a leader who’s not just running a team, but leading a community.

Level Up Your Leadership: Boosting Emotional Intelligence

EQ Gym: Exercises to Strengthen Your Emotional Muscles

Think of emotional intelligence as a muscle. Just like hitting the gym for physical strength, there are exercises to build your EQ. Start with self-reflection. Spend a few minutes each day assessing your emotional responses. Why did you feel irritated in that meeting? What made you happy about a team member’s success? This introspection is your EQ cardio.

Journaling is another powerful tool. Jot down not just what happened each day, but how you felt and reacted. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and understand your emotional triggers better. This awareness is the first step to a stronger EQ.

Practical, Everyday Strategies to Enhance Your Emotional Intelligence

It’s the small things that often make the biggest impact. Try active listening in your next conversation. This means fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what’s being said. It’s about being present, both physically and mentally.

And here’s a tip: ask open-ended questions. Instead of a simple ‘Did you like the project?’, try ‘What did you think about the project?’ It invites more detailed responses and shows genuine interest, a key component of EQ.

From Listening to Empathizing: Simple Steps to Become a More Emotionally Intelligent Leader

Empathy goes beyond hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions behind them. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes. When a team member is stressed, instead of offering a quick solution, ask how they’re feeling and listen. Sometimes, just feeling understood can be a huge relief for them.

Another step is to acknowledge others’ perspectives, even if you disagree. This doesn’t mean you have to change your stance, but recognizing and validating their feelings can build trust and openness.

Learning from the Best: Lessons from Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

Let’s take a leaf out of Indra Nooyi’s book, former CEO of PepsiCo. Known for her empathetic leadership style, she would write letters to the parents of her senior executives, thanking them for the ‘gift’ of their children. This simple, heartfelt gesture showed deep appreciation and understanding, traits of a high-EQ leader.

Then there’s the story of a hospital CEO who regularly walks the halls, chatting with staff and patients. This isn’t just about being friendly; it’s about truly understanding the experiences of those on the front lines, shaping better, more empathetic decisions.

Conclusion: Embracing Emotional Intelligence for Leadership Success

Recapping the EQ Journey

You’ve journeyed through the realm of emotional intelligence, uncovering its vital role in modern leadership. From understanding what EQ is and why it matters, to exploring real-world examples of its transformative power, you’ve seen how it’s much more than just a buzzword. It’s the heartbeat of effective, empathetic, and adaptive leadership.

You’ve discovered the key components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These elements are the building blocks of a leadership style that resonates, inspires, and stands the test of time and change.

Your EQ Action Plan

Now, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. Start with small, daily exercises to strengthen your emotional muscles. Reflect, journal, listen actively, and practice empathy. Remember, building EQ is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about gradual improvement, self-awareness, and genuine connection with others.

Set yourself some EQ goals. Maybe it’s improving team communication, handling stress better, or becoming more approachable as a leader. Whatever your goals, keep them in sight and work towards them consistently.

Encouraging Readers to Reflect and Act on Their Emotional Intelligence Journey

As you step forward, remember that every leader’s EQ journey is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important step is the commitment to start and the determination to keep going. Reflect on your daily interactions, learn from your experiences, and be open to feedback.

Embrace the power of emotional intelligence in your leadership. It’s not just about leading; it’s about inspiring, empowering, and making a difference. Your journey to becoming a more emotionally intelligent leader starts now. Are you ready to embrace it?

October 23, 2023November 16, 2023

Mastering The Art Of Leading Remote Teams: A Manager’s Toolkit

The traditional office setting, with its 9-to-5 constraints, is giving way to a more flexible remote environment. But despite having the same responsibilities as in-office managers (hiring, performance reviews, etc.), this new era of remote team management has given managers the huge task of leading a dispersed workforce.

If you’re looking for the best ways to manage a remote team, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore the tactics you should start employing to manage your team more seamlessly. We’ll also shed light on the stark difference between managing in a traditional office and a virtual remote workspace.

With this article, you can evolve into a remote leader, adept at fostering company culture from miles away. You’ll be equipped with actionable insights and strategies, making sure you thrive as an effective manager leading a productive, motivated, and goal-oriented team.

10 Proven Tactics To Effectively Manage Your Remote Team

Just the thought of having to match everyone’s schedule for weekly meetings can already be headache-inducing for a remote manager.

However, all is not lost as you can implement these 10 proven tactics to build a strong remote team that contributes to business outcomes. Take your notepad out, identify the first methods you can apply, and start thinking about how to achieve this with your team.

1. Embrace Digital Communication Tools

With your team members scattered globally, embracing digital communication tools, like Slack, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or Teamly’s chat feature is like building bridges between scattered islands. They act as your virtual office spaces and lifelines, making sure every remote employee stays integrated, informed, and engaged.

image source: getguru.com

But more than that, they make collaboration between you and your team members seamless despite possibly being on different continents.

Take a travel agency, for instance. It’s a type of company where speed and efficiency are paramount for conversions.

A customer might urgently need a flight change. With tools like Slack Channels for instant messaging or Google Meet for a quick voice call, your team can swiftly coordinate, giving rapid responses to the customer about other cheap flight options available on your website.

For remote companies, especially in fast-paced industries, these communication tools aren’t just convenient; they’re keys to success. They make sure that distance and time zones don’t become barriers to providing excellent service.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Without the tangible boundaries of a physical office, the risk of ambiguity looms large. To avoid this, outline tasks, deadlines, and goals to give your team members direction. When roles are defined, every team member knows their path and the significance of their project activities.

For example, let’s say you’re leading a remote graphic design team for an online product you sell. Setting clear expectations lets each designer know their specific design elements, submission dates, and the overall theme of the project. This clarity ensures cohesive designs that align with the brand’s vision, even without face-to-face interactions.

To achieve this, regularly hold team meetings to discuss objectives and address queries. Plus, fosters an open communication environment, encouraging team members to seek clarifications.

Don’t forget to also provide feedback to guide improvements, making sure everyone is aligned with the team’s vision and direction.

3. Provide Training

Thriving in remote work environments means you have to train and arm your team with the toolkit to set them up for success in the virtual workplace. From mastering tools like Google Drive to honing virtual communication skills, training makes sure your entire team is on the same page.

image source: www.businesshealthmatters.org.uk

Additionally, offering resources for skill development helps them become more efficient and it shows that your remote team is valued. This commitment to their career goals fosters loyalty and motivation.

Here’s a scenario: Your team handles business data and analytics, a complicated yet crucial part of any business. With proper training, they can independently interpret complex data, drawing insights that drive decision-making.

For instance, after a workshop on advanced data interpretation, a team member might spot a trend in consumer behavior, leading to a game-changing strategy to boost sales.

Training them also elevates your confidence and trust in their ability to excel in the numbers game and do detailed and accurate work even without the on-site supervision that a traditional office setup offers.

You can succeed in this by identifying the skill gaps of your members and sourcing online courses or webinars tailored to those needs. Use platforms like Coursera or Udemy for specialized training. You should also organize virtual workshops, bringing in experts for live sessions.

4. Monitor Productivity, Not Hours

In the evolving landscape of the remote workplace, the adage “quality over quantity” has never been more relevant. Monitoring productivity over hours is the modern effective manager’s mantra.

Why the shift to this mindset?

Outcomes drive success for businesses, not just the clocked hours. Focusing on tangible results lets you lead a synchronized, results-driven unit.

Project management tools like Teamly, Trello, and Asana have made it easier than ever to keep a pulse on project progress, making sure your team members are aligned and goals are met.

Moreover, you can elevate this tactic with Snowflake data cloud. If you’re handling large remote teams of at least 20 members each, you can leverage the platform to develop an in-house project management system. It allows secured data-sharing, as well as real-time data processing.

This lets you see your team’s contributions and project updates in real time. You can also use it to produce reports for team evaluations to check who was the most productive. This real-time insight ensures that collaboration is seamless, even if your team is scattered across the globe.

This approach is transformative because it lets you pivot strategies swiftly, address challenges promptly, and celebrate successes as they happen.

5. Offer Flexible Hours

While the traditional 9-to-5 office hours might work for some, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Thus, promoting flexibility isn’t just a perk, it’s a necessity in remote working environments.

This empowering approach shows that you trust your team to know their peak performance times. It also shows that you value outcomes over strict schedules.

The results? Improved creativity, reduced video fatigue, and a team that feels valued.

Let’s delve into the life of virtual executive assistants. They’re juggling tasks for you and the entire team, from scheduling meetings to managing emails. But they’re based in a timezone where your morning is their late night.

Allowing them to be flexible and choose their most productive hours makes sure they avoid late-night fatigue. This simple task of giving them a choice can be a big deal that lets them handle responsibilities with efficiency and deliver excellent results for you and the team without being forced to work through the night with depleted energy.

But how do you offer flexibility without jeopardizing your projects?

Establish core hours where the entire team overlaps for collaboration and meetings. But allow your team members to choose their start and end times outside these core hours. You should also regularly review and adapt the system, making sure it meets both team and project needs.

6. Do Regular Check-Ins

These check-ins are opportunities for employees to reconnect, realign, and refocus. In a virtual setting, where face-to-face interactions are limited, these sessions become the lifelines that maintain the team’s pulse.

image source: peoplegoal.com

They make sure that you and your team members are on the same page, bridging any communication channels that might have gaps.

For example, let’s say your team is virtually handling a yard management system. In such a setup, a misplaced container or a miscommunicated schedule can ripple into significant operational hiccups.

However, with a weekly stand-up, team members can give updates on container placements, incoming shipments, and potential challenges. This gives everyone a chance to review broader operational strategies so your team can pinpoint if any improvements can be made.

Plus, these regular check-ins ensure that every cog in the system, from the gate personnel to the inventory manager, is synchronized.

To perfect this managerial tactic, create a consistent schedule for weekly virtual meetings using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Use tools like Google Calendar to set reminders and ensure team availability.

Start each session with a brief personal check-in, followed by task updates. Encourage open dialogue, allowing team members to voice challenges or share achievements. Then, conclude by setting clear next steps, ensuring everyone leaves with clarity.

7. Address Challenges Quickly

Challenges, especially in a virtual space, have a knack for amplifying if not addressed promptly. A minor technical glitch today could morph into a major project delay tomorrow. Similarly, unchecked communication issues can sow discord, fracturing team cohesion.

However, quickly addressing challenges helps you make sure your team ship stays on course. It’s about being agile, pivoting strategies, or providing resources before a hiccup becomes a hurdle.

This approach not only maintains productivity but also builds trust. Team members know they’re supported, and managers can rest easy knowing they’re ahead of potential pitfalls.

For instance, let’s say a team member is finalizing a sale for a bulk order of solar panel kits for a significant project like a housing development. A housing project’s decision to go solar is a substantial investment, often resulting from months of negotiations and trust-building.

Then, that member discovers a discrepancy in inventory data at a crucial juncture. If the team fails to meet that commitment because of inventory shortages, the client may question the company’s ability to deliver on other fronts, like after-sales service, installation schedules, or warranty commitments and back out of the deal.

As a quick-thinking manager, you immediately address this problem by liaising with suppliers for expedited deliveries or by offering alternative solutions like a discount. These actions guarantee that the proposal remains accurate and it shows the company’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

To achieve this tactic, you can do the other tactics on this list like having regular check-ins, providing training, and leveraging communication tools for quick fixes.

8. Let Team Members Share

While establishing procedures is vital, recognizing the unique circumstances of each team member is equally crucial. They’re the boots on the ground, understanding the nuances of their work environment and habits.

Inviting their input lets you build a more tailored work process and foster a culture of trust and respect. This approach signals that while the broader goals are set, the paths to achieve them can be co-created. It’s a collaborative effort, where team meetings become brainstorming sessions and Slack messages transform into idea exchanges.

Consider this scenario: You have a team member who has to juggle parental duties in a different timezone, and he proposes using asynchronous communication for certain updates instead of live meetings.

Acting on this suggestion not only accommodates their commitments but also encourages others to share their workflow improvements for a more inclusive remote work environment.

9. Treat All Employees Equally

This encourages a harmonious and productive team environment, especially when it’s your responsibility to manage a mix of in-office and remote employees. If there are any imbalances, it can sow seeds of discontent, causing decreased morale and productivity.

On the contrary, when every team member, whether they’re in the office or working from their living room, feels valued and treated fairly, it boosts collective morale and fosters mutual respect.

So, if your remote workers enjoy the perk of flexible hours, why not extend a version of this benefit to co-located employees? Perhaps they could start their day earlier or later, or maybe have a flexible lunch hour. Doing this levels the playing field, showing that you value the well-being and preferences of all team members.

With this tactic, every single team member, irrespective of their location, feels seen, heard, and valued.

10. Build A Strong Remote Team Culture

A strong remote team culture is the glue that binds dispersed teams. In the absence of physical interactions, a robust company culture becomes the shared space where team members connect.

What can you do?

image source: ccl.org

Organize virtual team-building activities, from online trivia games to collaborative brainstorming sessions to forge bonds. Additionally, make it normal to celebrate milestones, be it a project completion or an individual’s achievement, to reinforce the team’s shared purpose.

With this approach, your team members don’t feel isolated. They’ll feel like they’re part of a larger, supportive community where successes are celebrated and challenges are collectively addressed.

Take, for instance, promotions. When a team member climbs the corporate ladder, it’s more than just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the team’s collective effort.

Organizing a virtual congratulatory meet, sending out celebratory messages, or even a simple shout-out during team meetings can do wonders. When team members see their growth celebrated, it boosts their morale and instills a sense of pride in the entire team.

Following that, let’s discuss remote team management’s importance. This will help you further understand why adapting your strategies is essential and why conventional in-office methods might fall short in a remote setting.

Remote Team Management: Why It’s Important

Remote team management can include leading teams that work from home, in co-working spaces, or even from cafes and other public places.

image source: mytasker.com

Guiding a team scattered across cities, countries, continents, and different time zones presents unique challenges but it also offers remarkable opportunities. When managed effectively, remote teams can drive impressive business outcomes, from increased productivity to enhanced innovation.

What’s more, remote managers like you hold the key to making sure your teams stay connected and motivated. When you harness the power of effective remote management, you elevate employee engagement to new heights.

With that, let’s explore the stark differences between handling a team in a traditional office setup and a remote workforce. Grasping these distinctions lets you anticipate scenarios and empowers you to deploy suitable strategies for effectively overseeing a team in a remote work setting.

Differences Between Traditional & Remote Team Management

Navigating between traditional and remote team management is like switching between two distinct playbooks. Knowing how they differ from one another will help you maximize your resources, implement appropriate strategies, and employ the proper tools.

Here’s a snapshot of their differences:

Aspect	Traditional	Remote
Meetings	In-person	Virtual meetings
Time Management	Fixed hours	Attention to time zones; flexible hours
Tools	Physical tools (e.g., office phone)	Digital tools (e.g., Google Conference)
Communication	Face-to-face; occasional emails	Communication guidelines; frequent chats
Training	On-site training sessions	Online courses; webinars
Problem-Solving	Regular meetings in a conference room	Online video conferencing brainstorming sessions
Monitoring	Over-the-shoulder checks	Digital tracking tools
Feedback	Immediate feedback during an in-person meeting	Varied turnaround time in remote scenarios.

Here’s a sample scenario: There’s a critical bug in the feature update for your mobile medical alert system product.

Here’s how a traditional team handles it:

Immediate Gathering: The manager quickly convenes an impromptu in-person meeting.
Whiteboard Session: The problem is visually mapped out, with team members suggesting troubleshooting steps.
Direct Oversight: The manager can walk over to developers’ desks, observe the problem-solving in real-time, offer guidance, and make sure everyone is on task.
Physical Tools: Hardware related to the medical alert system, like testing devices, is readily available in the office for immediate hands-on testing.

Here’s how your remote team should handle it:

Virtual Meeting: The manager schedules an urgent virtual video call using Zoom or Teams.
Screen Sharing: Team members share their screens to demonstrate the bug and potential fixes, putting everyone on the same page.
Digital Collaboration: Tools like Teamly and Trello help track the problem-solving process, making sure everyone knows their tasks and the project’s progress.
Turnaround Time: While solutions might be implemented quickly, the feedback loop might have slight delays because of varied time zones or work schedules.

Conclusion

Remote teams are here to stay. Thus, mastering remote team management is more than just adapting to current trends, it’s about paving the way for sustainable, long-term success. These strategies can guide you in building a strong foundation to uphold the structure of effective remote leadership.

In addition, applying these techniques lets you foster a cohesive, productive, and motivated team, irrespective of geographical boundaries. However, the journey doesn’t end here.

Continuous evaluation and adaptation of management strategies are vital to stay ahead of challenges and leverage new opportunities.

Are you ready to develop and maximize your remote team’s potential?

With Teamly, you get a smart all-in-one remote team management platform. It lets you manage and monitor workflows, as well as communicate with your team in real time with its chat feature. Don’t wait any longer and sign up to Teamly now to elevate your leadership game.

About Author:

Burkhard Berger is the founder of Novum™. He helps innovative B2B companies implement revenue-driven SEO strategies to scale their organic traffic to 1,000,000+ visitors per month. Curious about what your true traffic potential is?

October 2, 2023October 2, 2023

12 Time Management Tools and Strategies for Maximizing Productivity

We all have those days when we arrive home from work and see nothing but more work all around us. There are dishes in the sink, piles of laundry in the corner, and kids hungry for dinner. Yet after a ten hour day and two hour commute, we can only muster enough energy to microwave leftovers and stream videos.

With so much to do in our busy lives, time management is essential. Without it, projects miss deadlines, homes fall into disarray, and days and weeks march on with nothing meaningful accomplished.

Yet managing time is a skill that eludes many of us. Efficiency and productivity are not our middle names. Rather, our days are consumed with busywork, we procrastinate, or else we work so hard that we inevitably crash and burn.

The right tools help to develop time management skills. They clear away brain fog, capitalize on our energy, and squeeze the most out of every moment in our days. With the right approach to time, our days become full of accomplishments and intention. In this post, we’re going to look at some of the best tools and strategies for time management.

High Level Considerations

A time management tool is a bit like adding oil to an engine. And unless that engine is well-built, even a top notch full synthetic oil isn’t going to make much of a difference. So starting out, let’s consider some big picture requirements to have in place before implementing time management tools and strategies.

A Vision

A project or endeavor needs a North Star. A clear vision eliminates busywork and establishes priorities in the day-to-day. Time is spent on those tasks that maximize value and bring a project closer to its overall goal.

Self Knowledge

Some of us are charged and ready to go first thing in the morning. While for others, it takes several hours to finally get into the groove, and we produce our best work in the afternoons. For others, commitments and obligations such as children mean that the only window for getting work done is the wee hours of the morning.

When we come to know ourselves and the daily rhythm of our lives, it provides a template for arranging days and tasks. We can capitalize on our power moments, and schedule high priority items into these windows of productivity.

A Calendar

Time management is about managing the scarce resource of time. And regardless of our personality and tendencies, a calendar in some form, be it digital or paper, serves as a template and backdrop to any time management system or tool. It allows us to evaluate time in broad overview, to set deadlines, and evaluate dependent tasks alongside each other.

Bearing these broad requirements in mind, let’s now dive into some time management tools that allow your life to zip along like a car on an empty highway.

6 Time Management Tools

A time management tool enables productivity and efficiency. The right tool smooths out processes and eases up on cognitive overwhelm. Using one shouldn’t feel like an obligation or chore. Rather, it should feel empowering and easy. When selecting tools, determine its efficacy by this criteria.

Additionally, a tool’s potential is unleashed by the user. In order to be effective, it’s often necessary to determine how the tool will be used. It’s too general to say “we’re using this software to save time.” Rather, it’s necessary to delineate precisely how the tool incorporates with the current systems. Maybe one tool is specifically for communication, and another for organizing workflows.

With these guidelines, let’s consider the top six tools for managing time.

1. Teamly Kanban Boards

Kanban is a productivity method developed out of the theory of constraints and the principles of lean production. It emphasizes a pull workflow and limits work in process items. In doing so, it eliminates bottlenecks and increases fluidity in work processes. Teams swarm around a work item and bring it to completion before introducing anything else into workflow.

Teamly software offers intuitive and easy to use kanban boards, ideal for both in-person and remote teams. Tasks receive labels, dates, and can be assigned to specific people. Automations move tasks seamlessly along a workflow, and drag-and-drop tools allow for simple adjustments.

Teamly is a comprehensive software that provides a myriad of other tools as well. In addition to kanban boards, it also offers storage, sophisticated communication tools, video sharing, and even time logs. It promises to improve the overall efficiency of your organization. The software is available in both free and paid plans.

2. Todoist

Writing out tasks is a powerful exercise. It not only keeps the things front of mind, but it also orients our energy around seeing the task to completion.

Todoist is a popular application for managing tasks and recording to-do lists. It’s so easy to use that anyone can get up to speed on the application in no time. And its tools are helpful for both professional and personal use.

In Todoist, a user creates lists for a variety of topics. These lists can be viewed in both board and list view. It’s possible to look back into the past and into the future as well. Its planning tools allow you to plan the upcoming week and month, and its search feature makes it easy to retrieve helpful lists from past projects.

As a bonus, Todoist links easily with other applications. It offers both free and paid plans.

3. Trello

Trello is a software from the Australian company Atlassian that promises to organize projects and save time locating information.

With its dashboard, it’s possible to survey an entire project in broad overview. Tasks can be arranged by work-in-process, priority, completed, or by any other relevant topic. Its drop and drag functionality make it easy to bring tasks into different boards. Trello is particularly helpful for visual learners who need a visual space for organizing brain clutter and complex information.

People love to use Trello boards for a variety of purposes. They’re excellent for brainstorming at the beginning of a project and collaborating with clients as well.

Trello links with many tools, so you don’t have to leave the platform to get other things done. It offers both free and paid plans.

4. A Scrum Board

A scrum board is elusively simple. This board generally consists of four columns, including a backlog of total work, tasks not started, work-in-process and completed work.

While basic, this board keeps tasks and projects flowing efficiently. This visual grouping of tasks keeps everything front of mind. It prioritizes significant tasks and allows teams to efficiently work through small batches of work.

One variation of the scrum board includes a column for blocked or impeded work. When used within the scrum framework, the ongoing reflection removes these impediments and gets the proper tools to the team to execute on tasks efficiently.

5. Sunsama

Burnout is one of the greatest impediments to effective time management. When we ignore work-life balance and choose instead to burn the candle at both ends, it doesn’t result in greater efficiency. Rather, we collapse and become unproductive.

Sunsama is an application that aims to remedy this tendency. It establishes clear demarcations between personal and professional life. Using this application ensures that we attend to the self-care that’s part and parcel to productivity. It does this in part by encouraging startup and shut down routines.

This application pulls related tasks together and time blocks our days. Its daily planner and to-do list offer both week, list and calendar views. The program assists with planning the entire day then reviewing the day. It warns when too much time is spent on certain areas, and sets weekly objectives that correlate to specific tasks.

All this assistance comes with a cost, however. Sunsama doesn’t offer a free plan, and its lowest tier plan costs about $20 a month.

6. A Priority Matrix

One common hangup with using time effectively is that between everything that needs to get done, we cannot identify what really matters. And so we spend the day on tasks that don’t move the needle or bring us closer to our overall goal.

When we evaluate tasks individually, it’s much easier to manage time. According to a chart known as both the Priority and Eisenhower Matrix, every task falls into one of four categories:

Important and urgent
Important but not urgent
Urgent but not important
Not important nor urgent

Urgent and important work needs to be completed, stat. This includes things like paying the electricity bill. If it doesn’t happen, the lights go out. Important but not urgent work, on the other hand, brings us closer to overall vision, and receives a high priority. Any work that’s not important can be crossed off the to-do list.

With this clarification, it’s easy to parse through a list of tasks and choose a few to focus on. For example, maybe the Saturday morning to-do list includes buying groceries, picking up the kids, getting a haircut and changing oil. With the constraint of time, not every task can be completed. The matrix clarifies the criteria for choosing what to place at the top of the list.

With this summary of some helpful time management tools, let’s now look into strategies that complement them.

6 Time Management Strategies

The story of the rabbit and the hare shares a takeaway that applies to everyday life. Faster isn’t always better. Time saving tricks require creative thinking that sometimes fight against our intuition. With this in mind, let’s look at some top strategies for managing our precious time.

1. Habit Stacking

Productivity isn’t about getting to a place where things are done. To borrow a phrase popular with the agile methodology, it’s about getting things “done, done.” When the goal is to make dinner, for example, it’s not enough to simply purchase groceries. The food needs to be prepared and cooked as well.

Yet procrastination is part of our nature. It’s one of the most common hangups to effective time management. There’s so many things that we just don’t feel like doing. So they don’t get done, and we face consequences. We lead an effective meeting, then fail to write the minutes or send follow up emails and so plans don’t turn into action. We ignore email inboxes, and clients start to drop off.

Habit stacking is a clever method that can remedy a tendency to only complete a job halfway. It starts by looking at those good habits we’ve already incorporated into our lives and routines. This includes simple everyday things like brushing our teeth in the morning, cooking dinner at night, or checking email upon arriving in the office. Next, it “tacks” an aspirational habit onto this well-established habit.

Immediately after finishing dinner, for example, a habit stack might be to take the dishes to the sink, rinse them, place them in the dishwasher, then wipe down the counter. At work, a habit stack could be to read emails, respond to them, and then check phone messages and open incoming mail.

2. Routines

Burnout and overwhelm are not necessarily caused by having too much to do. Rather, they’re caused by cognitive overwhelm. Having too many individual things to think about can weigh so heavily that our brains are liable to collapse in on themselves.

Perhaps in one morning we have three simple tasks to complete: write a thank you note, compose an email, and bring clothes to the dry cleaners. Taken individually, thinking through these three simple tasks can easily exhaust someone. The note must be written, addressed, stamped, then placed in the mailbox. Then the email must be written, formatted, edited, addressed and sent. Next, garments are collected from the closet, taken to the dry cleaner and dropped off. That’s at least ten processes to think through.

A routine eliminates this excessive thinking. Rather than plod through a list of tasks, they put us into autopilot. After work we may have a routine of folding laundry and preparing dinner. On Saturday morning, the routine might be to start laundry, water the garden, eat breakfast then run some errands.

Building routines into our daily life allows us to get a lot done without excessive thinking and planning. We still feel energized and enthused after a busy stretch.

3. Work Batches

Sometimes a small work item takes way too long to complete. When it’s finally finished, there’s still a pile of things left to do. Batching is a system that makes it possible to complete time consuming tasks with hours to spare.

Let’s consider the simple example of making dinner. Perhaps you set out to make lasagna one evening, but between the grocery shopping, preparation and cooking, you don’t set down to eat until 9:00 pm. And then the next night, it’s the same routine all over again with a different entree.

An easy way to solve this dilemma is to work in batches. One Saturday each month could be meal preparation day. During this time, the dinners for the entire month are planned, groceries are purchased, and each entree is cooked and then frozen for easy preparation on an individual night.

A work batch correlates similar tasks together for ultimate efficiency. Things aren’t done piecemeal. It can be applied to all sorts of tasks, such as sending emails or running errands. If you need gas for the car, for example, this can be batched with purchasing groceries and mailing a package at the post office.

Applications such as Sunsama and Todoist are helpful with batching. With these tools, it’s easy to lay out every work item that needs to get done, and then correlate like items together. An entire workday or project can be structured for ultimate efficiency.

4. Contractors & Assistants

It’s easy to think that the easiest and most efficient way to get something done is to do it yourself. And sometimes this is the case. At other times, however, it’s far more efficient and cost-effective to outsource work to a skilled professional.

In order to determine whether or not to outsource work, it’s necessary first to understand your own skills, weaknesses, and constraints. Perhaps with your busy life, it’s unrealistic that you’d ever find sufficient time to clean your home.

In this case, hiring a house cleaner makes sense. Or if you’re chronically unorganized, then a virtual assistant might be just the thing to keep emails and important files in order. Strategic outsourcing allows you ample time to focus on those things you do well.

5. Boundaries

Distractions are the ultimate time waster. Perhaps you’re deep into a task, then a knock on the office door diverts your attention, and it’s thirty minutes before you’re back on track again.

While distractions such as emails, texts and phone calls are a fact of life, they can easily run our day off the rails if we allow them to.

Setting some boundaries during work hours, such as removing the phone, not checking email, and putting on headphones allows for meaningful work to be accomplished in a timely manner. Another approach to setting boundaries is to identify quiet hours, such as early in the morning, when things can get done with few interruptions.

6. Agile Principles

Sometimes work doesn’t get done because we make everything too darn complex. Or else we never take any time to reflect, and so all our efforts ultimately lead in the wrong direction. Incorporating the principles of agile into our daily routines serves to make the most of our work hours.

Simplicity

Agile empathizes maximizing the amount of work not done. This principle pares work to its barest essentials. Similar to the priority matrix, it’s about cutting out that work that is neither important nor urgent, and then simplifying workflows to cut out unnecessary steps.

Reflect & Pivot

It’s common to start out on a project with a clear goal in mind, then to have things completely shift as new information comes to light. The agile process of continual reflection allows for adjustments, so that all work is oriented around the goal.

Conclusion

Time is potential and when it is maximized wonderful things happen. But time is also a treadmill that doesn’t ever stop or slow down, no matter how much we wish it would.

It’s common to feel so constrained by time that it’s impossible to meet all the demands of life. Things can so easily then fall apart. A deadline arrives yet things aren’t in place, or a business deteriorates.

Time management hacks and tools eliminate overwhelm, and allow us to live productive lives with healthy balance.

One principle time management tool is Teamly. This software offers so many tools for simplifying projects that it will save you hours in busywork. Visit and sign up for a free plan today!

September 22, 2023September 22, 2023

We Rise, We Thrive! Five Teamwork Stories to Inspire Growth (+Lessons Learned)

Teamwork stories pack a powerful punch. They inspire and spark collaboration. They teach us about trust, communication, and the art of problem-solving. These stories remind us that together, we can reach heights we never thought possible.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore real-world teamwork stories – stories that are both exciting and motivating.

Ready to discover the path to success? Let’s dive in.

Five Teamwork Stories: True Tales of Collaboration.

Great teams have five essential building blocks: cooperation, trust, harmony, humiliation, and appreciation. These blocks are the solid ground that helps teams work well and reach their goals.

Now, let’s look at each one to see how they make teams strong and successful.

1. The Braintrust: Fearless Talk and Trust.

In the world of animation, something big was happening: Pixar was creating “Toy Story.”

The big goal had been set: to change how we tell stories and make animated films. And behind the scenes, a group of creative people got together to make this dream come true.

At the center of all this creativity was something special –”The Braintrust.” The leader of this group was the director, John Lasseter, but it wasn’t about one person’s vision. It was about making a place where everyone’s ideas were important.

The Braintrust meetings were different from regular brainstorming sessions. Imagine this: a room full of talented people, each one an expert in their own way – artists, writers, and storytellers. They worked closely with the director, helping him to see the film from different points of view.

While making “Toy Story,” the Braintrust discussions became super important. Team members felt safe to share their thoughts and concerns about the movie’s progress. They knew their opinions were respected, and this safety allowed them to try new ideas.

The result of this unique approach wasn’t just a successful movie. It was a masterpiece that people all over the world loved. “Toy Story” captured hearts, and the Braintrust’s role in its success became famous.

The big lesson

The Braintrust shows how trust and the sense of safety can create something amazing. It reminds us that true magic happens in art and innovation when we feel safe sharing our ideas and hearing everyone’s perspectives.

In fact, a 2017 Gallup report revealed that organizations that focus on psychological safety witness a significant increase in employee engagement and, consequently, a noteworthy 12% rise in overall productivity.

2. Near-Telepathic Teamwork: How the U.S. Navy SEALs Achieves Brotherhood.

Our second story on teamwork takes us to the depth of the American military, where there’s an extraordinary group called the U.S. Navy SEALs. They’re famous for their daring missions and incredible bravery. But what truly makes them special is how well they can communicate and work together without even speaking.

Let’s meet John, a young recruit who dreams of becoming a SEAL. He knows that being a SEAL isn’t just about being a tough soldier. It’s about being part of a close-knit family.

John’s journey starts with tough training called BUD/S. It’s really hard, with lots of physical challenges. They train in a special way, doing drills that are like real combat situations. They learn to talk without talking, using signs, nods, and just looking at each other.

But the most important lessons are the ones that teach him to depend on his teammates. Even when things are tough, he learns that SEALs are strong because they can understand each other when it counts the most.

Going on a mission

One night, John’s team has a top-secret mission. They sneak up on their target without making a sound, using the non-verbal communication they’ve perfected.

In a fight where being quiet is important, John and his team use their way of talking without words. They move as one, knowing what the others will do without saying anything. This silent teamwork lets them deal with the danger quickly and quietly.

The big lesson

The U.S. Navy SEALs’ teamwork shows the importance of having shared experiences. Plus, it reminds us that it takes planning and practice to understand one another in no time. And when real challenges hit, that’s a precious skill to have in your team.

By the way, nearly one in three employees, which is about 28%, say that they struggle to finish their work on time because of problems with communication. This means that not being able to share information effectively at work can make it hard for many people to deliver their tasks by the set deadline. So, to create successful teamwork stories, make sure your team excels at communication across roles and locations.

3. Harmony in the Room: WHO’s Surgical Safety Checklist.

Wanna another short story on teamwork? Let’s head into the healthcare field.

In this world of big decisions, there is something small but amazing called the Surgical Safety Checklist. It’s a simple paper designed by the World Health Organization. A small piece of paper that makes a huge difference in the operating room, where the action you take has to be just right.

The Surgical Safety Checklist is like a rulebook that tells everyone exactly what to do. No one can skip it, and everyone has to follow the same steps.
The magic of the checklist starts before they even begin the surgery. The team discusses the patient, the upcoming surgery, and any concerns they might have. This ensures that everyone can speak up if they’re uncertain about something.

During the surgery, the checklist guides them at every step. They pause to check important things, count their tools meticulously, and confirm information about allergies or the need for blood.

As they work, the checklist ensures that everyone communicates using the same “language.” Surgeons communicate seamlessly with nurses, and anesthetists coordinate with technicians, all following the same processes.

After the surgery, they use the checklist again to ensure nothing is overlooked. They recount their tools and address any issues before the patient leaves the operating room.

The big lesson

In projects, using a shared approach and a rulebook makes a big difference. Problems happen less often, and clients are safer. And here’s the best part. What may seem a scary place where things can go wrong becomes a workplace of trust and confidence.

4. When Teamwork Outshines Stardom.

Among collaboration stories, The Chicago Bulls’ victory stands out strongly.

The legendary team was led by the incredible Michael Jordan, who was known for his greatness. He was the best at scoring points and being a leader on the court. But the path to winning championships wasn’t a journey he took alone; it was something they did together.

True, Jordan had some incredible teammates. Scottie Pippen was amazing at both offense and defense, making him a perfect partner for Jordan. Then, there was Dennis Rodman, who was like a rebounding machine and gave the team an extra boost.

The Bulls knew that in basketball, just like in life, success usually comes from working as a team. Jordan might have been the star, but he couldn’t do everything alone. His teammates knew their roles and did them really well. Pippen’s teamwork, Rodman’s hard work, and the efforts of others like Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, and Steve Kerr were all vital for the team’s success.

The big lesson

Teamwork stories often highlight the remarkable achievements that can result from collaboration. Even Jordan, with all his greatness, knew that his teammates were crucial. He once said, “Talent helps you win games, but working as a team and being smart are what win championships.”

So, when the Bulls celebrated their championships with confetti falling all around, it wasn’t just Jordan holding up the trophy. It was a team that trusted each other and had a common goal. They proved that in the world of sports, just like in life and work, a team is stronger than one person. And that’s how a new story about teamwork is written.

5. Appreciation Ignites Innovation: The Story of 3M’s Post-it Notes.

Next, we move into the realm of corporate giants to learn another teamwork story for inspiration.

This story started back in 1968 when a guy named Spencer Silver worked at 3M as a scientist. He was trying to make a super-strong glue, but he accidentally made something different – a glue that stuck lightly to things and could be easily removed without leaving any mess behind.

At first, this discovery didn’t seem useful at all. It was like a solution to a problem that nobody had. But Spencer didn’t give up. He saw a chance where others saw a mistake.

Spencer told his co-worker, Art Fry, about this strange glue during one of his talks. Art was a singer in a choir, and he had a little problem. His bookmarks kept falling out of his hymnal book during church. It was a small annoyance, but it bothered him.

Art realized that Spencer’s not-so-strong glue could solve his problem. He imagined making bookmarks that could stick to the pages but also be taken off and put back easily. This simple idea was the start of something big.

Spencer and Art worked together to make this idea even better. Soon, they had a prototype of what we now know as Post-it Notes. They used scrap paper from 3M’s lab and added Spencer’s special glue.

Then came a really important part of the story. 3M had a tradition where employees could share their cool ideas with the company’s leaders. Art and Spencer used this chance to show their invention.

During the presentation, Art showed how Post-it Notes worked, and the bosses were interested. But what really made the difference was that their co-workers and bosses appreciated what they had done. They got the support and help they needed to make and sell their new product.

The big lesson

We often turn to teamwork stories to understand the dynamics of successful groups. So, the story of Post-it Notes at 3M shows that giving credit is really powerful. It proves that just by recognizing your co-worker’s efforts, you can create something amazing that changes how we do things. In this case, a small problem turned into a product that’s worth billions, all because one person’s idea was appreciated.

Your Key Takeaway

The best teamwork stories aren’t just read. They’re lived, experienced, and cherished within the dynamic world of collaboration.

Think about it: When team members understand each other fast, it helps them talk better and trust each other more. Putting egos aside means people can grow and work well together. Following the same rules keeps things organized and efficient.

Appreciating each other, whether it’s saying “good job” or just being thankful, makes everyone feel happy and motivated. And when everyone feels safe in the team, they can take risks, solve problems, and be creative.

So, no matter where you work, remember that these teamwork qualities make your workplace better, happier, and more successful. And they can turn your collaboration stories into compelling narratives of achievement and growth.

September 18, 2023October 30, 2023

Agile Iron Triangle: What It Is and How It Works

What’s the one thing all Agile software development projects have in common?

Answer: Goals.

Goals set the foundation of Agile projects, the objectives to be achieved by the end date. But goals also form a core part of each 2-week sprint. Each project has its own requirements:

Achieving results by a certain date
Working within a specific budget range
Meeting or exceeding stakeholder expectations
Optimizing the use of available resources and cutting waste

It’s not an easy task to keep a project moving while working within the constraints you can’t control. These constraints are considered to be “iron” – one can’t be moved without affecting all the others.

Balance is needed to keep a project moving.

Traditionally, projects would turn to the Iron Triangle, a framework managers have been using for years.

In this article, we’re looking at the Iron Triangle in Agile and how Agile teams can utilize this method of project management. We’ll also compare how the traditional Iron Triangle differs from the version used in Agile.

Understanding the Iron Triangle

Dr. Martin Barnes developed the Iron Triangle project management concept in 1969, and it’s become a go-to method of running projects ever since. It follows a waterfall approach to development and acknowledges three main constraints for the triangle:

Scope
Time
Resources

It’s these vertices that are fundamental to every project. If one fails, the others are affected too. For example, let’s assume the project has an unmoveable delivery date, but the project team realizes that the current scope means they won’t be able to make it.

There are two options for the team: reduce the scope of the project or add more resources to the team, which will drive up costs.

As project methodologies have evolved and changed, Agile has become more commonplace. It allows for better collaboration throughout the team and makes it easier to iterate and adapt to changing circumstances. So, how does the Iron Triangle change for Agile?

Bringing the Iron Triangle to Agile

Since the Iron Triangle is intended to be inflexible, it’s hard to directly translate this method into Agile, which prioritizes flexibility.

However, as part of the Agile Manifesto, one of the signatories, Jim Highsmith, proposed an updated version of the Iron Triangle that better suits Agile projects. Known as the Agile Triangle, the three angles are updated to:

Value: Measured by the stakeholders, value should reflect their expectations.
Quality: Providing the highest-quality product possible in order to satisfy the customer’s expectations.
Constraints: Here are the original elements of the Iron Triangle–scope, time, and resources.

This version of the triangle better reflects Agile’s focus on being adaptive, iterative, and value-driven. In Agile, flexibility is believed to be of greatest importance. Teams need to pivot based on feedback, changes in scope, and changes in the market.

Using the traditional Iron Triangle is too rigid to work in this methodology, so a switch to the Agile triangle is a better way to measure performance.

Who’s Involved in the Agile Iron Triangle?

The Agile triangle is a practical approach to project management with key players needed to execute. Here’s who plays an important role:

Product Owner

The Product Owner is responsible for the overall vision of the project.

It’s on them to define the value angle in the Agile triangle and ensure the stakeholder’s expectations are front and center of each sprint. They’ll take responsibility for the product backlog and ensure the most valuable features are prioritized and developed first.

They’ll be the ones to liaise with the stakeholders, which may involve communicating changes in project scope and putting in requests for changes to time and resource constraints.

Scrum Master

The Scrum Master will take ownership of the quality angle.

As the team’s lead Agile expert, they will guide the team and ensure they stick to the principles of Scrum and Agile. They should be on hand to answer any questions the team has about the Agile triangle and make suggestions to keep the project tracking smoothly.

Team

The team, consisting of developers, testers, designers, and other essential roles, work within the constraints angle.

Time, scope, and resources will play a big part in how they work, but it will also be their job to deliver on the vision and quality angles. Collaboration between the teams is one of the benefits of Agile, so they’ll need to be open to sharing insights and responding to feedback.

Team members should play an active role in the sprint planning and retrospective meetings, so they’re always adapting and iterating. Each sprint should become more effective as a result, helping the team to stay within the iron constraints.

Every member of the team, including the product owner and scrum master, should be committed to continuous improvement. Feedback loops help to bring the stakeholder’s vision to life while prioritizing quality.

Challenges and Solutions of the Iron Triangle in Agile

The Agile Iron Triangle presents a transformative approach to project management; however, its implementation does come with its own set of challenges.

One common hurdle teams familiar with traditional project management is resistance to change. Agile is a modern approach that may be at odds with the instincts and habits of a traditional team.

Flexibility may not come naturally to those who are used to the Iron Triangle as devised in 1969. It is inflexible by design, but adapting it for Agile has meant reimaging its core principles. Those used to a fixed scope may find the fluidity of Agile unsettling at first. It will be the job of the scrum master to nurture people through this.

Conducting regular workshops and training sessions can help teams understand the value of Agile, making the transition smoother.

Maintaining quality is another challenge with the Agile Iron Triangle. Since Agile relies on rapid iteration and frequent releases, there’s every risk that quality could be compromised to finish deliverables on time.

Agile is hardwired to combat this, but it requires honesty and open communication from the team. If the scope needs to change or more time is needed to complete a feature, the team needs to be able to voice these concerns early so they can be addressed in good time. Emphasis is always placed on quality, as evident from its inclusion as a vertex in the Agile triangle.

New teams to Agile may also struggle with the iterative approach to development. Projects are broken into smaller, more manageable “sprints,” typically lasting for two weeks. Traditional development may have treated projects as one-complete task rather than focusing on two weeks at a time.

But this approach is how a greater focus on the three vertices can be achieved. At the end of each week, the team holds a Sprint Retrospective meeting to focus on the work performed in the preceding two weeks.

During this meeting, inefficiencies can be discovered, and thanks to the iterative approach to development, solutions are put in place for the next sprint.

Conclusion

The Agile triangle is a happy marriage between traditional and modern approaches. While the traditional Iron Triangle has served its purpose for many years, helping teams to work within the unmoveable “iron” constraints.

But modern teams need more fluidity. It’s expected from stakeholders and easier than ever to achieve with the superior connection offered by the internet and modern technology. Switching to the Agile triangle still acknowledges and respects the Iron Triangle constraints but approaches them with the flexibility Agile is built for.

So, whether you’re an experienced project manager or a team member stepping into the Agile world for the first time, remember that the benefits of Agile are its adaptability and iterative approach to development. The Agile Iron Triangle helps to keep projects grounded while providing a framework for teams to consistently deliver on the stakeholder’s vision.

September 18, 2023

What’s a 9/80 Work Schedule and What’s in It for Me?

Sometimes little things can make all the difference. A small cup of espresso can ease you into the workday, or a tiny increase in pay can allow you to eat out once a week.

A brief happy hour with friends on a Friday afternoon, too, can jumpstart a relaxing weekend. For so many of us, however, the weekend isn’t a time to relax at all. Instead, it’s a window of opportunity to catch up on laundry, complete home improvement projects and shop for groceries. The list of errands can easily last until Sunday evening. Then it’s back to the grind on Monday morning.

But a little tweak to the regular 9 to 5 schedule poses to change all of that. The 9/80 work schedule promises weekends with leisure and relaxation. It efficiently compresses work schedules, allowing for more days away from the office.

You might be surprised at all the positive impacts a small change makes to the workweek. But the 9/80 schedule provides a multitude of benefits to individuals, workplace cultures, and even a community at large. Although it does pose some challenges as well.

Just what is the 9/80 schedule and how did it come about? Why would an employee adopt it, or an employer offer it? This article answers these questions, and sheds light on both the positive and negative impacts of alternative work schedules in general.

The Ins and Outs of a 9/80 Schedule, With Examples

A 9/80 work schedule is what’s known as a compressed schedule. Essentially, it takes the standard schedule of working forty hours from Monday through Friday and compresses it into fewer days. Let’s see what this looks like in the following examples.

Example 1: A Traditional 9/80 Schedule

Most commonly, the 9/80 is a rotating two week schedule where an employee takes every other Friday off. Here’s a breakdown of the bi-weekly schedule.

Week 1: An employee works 9 hour days Monday through Thursday, then 8 hours on Friday, for a total of 44 hours.

Week 2: The employee again works 9 hour days Monday through Thursday, for a total of 36 hours, then then takes Friday off.

The cycle resumes the following week.

Between the two weeks, then, an employee works 80 hours, or an average of 40 hours each week. The “9” in “9/80” refers to nine days, and the “80” to 80 hours total. To reach a total of 80 hours, 8 of the 9 workdays last 9 hours, while the ninth day is only 8.

Example 2: A Front Loaded 9/80 Schedule

A front-loaded 9/80 schedule places the bulk of hours in the first week.

Week 1: An employee works 10 hour days Monday through Friday, for a total of 50 hours.

Week 2: The employee works 7.5 hour days Monday through Thursday, then takes Friday off.

Again, in this example, the employee works a total of 80 hours over two weeks.

While these are two common adaptations of a 9/80 schedule, there are many more possibilities. An employee can work 9.5 days Monday through Thursday for two weeks, and only four hours on the first Friday. Or an employee can take off on a day other than Friday, such as a Wednesday. The essence, however, remains the same: a traditional ten day, forty hour work week is compressed into nine days.

While the 9/80 schedule does introduce some accounting complications for regular employees, which are discussed more later, for contractors and freelancers this isn’t an issue.

Many corporations and industries have adapted the 9/80 schedule. It’s popular within government contractors and in the defense industry with corporations such as Raytheon and Lockhead. Sometimes employees must complete their probation period before qualifying for the 9/80 schedule.

The 9/80 schedule is only one example of a compressed schedule. Another is the “4/10/40,” which compresses a forty hour week into four ten hour days. One more is the “3 by 12 + 1/2 day,” which compresses the workweek into three twelve hour days and one four hour day. This introduces the broader topic of alternative work schedules, which we’ll delve into next.

A Summary & History of Alternative Work Schedules

The standard five day, forty hour work week isn’t so established as one might think. Just one hundred years ago, in fact, it was a fairly new proposition. Until then, it was common for employees to work six days each week, particularly in manufacturing.

Attitudes toward labor shifted during the 1920s, however. In 1926, the Ford Motor Company reduced the work week from six to five days, beginning with manufacturers and then shifting to office workers. In making this change, Ford wanted to build a culture that provided employees time for family, rest and relaxation. It also hoped the increased respite would boost production during the five work days. The five day week became a national trend, and by the end of the decade hundreds of organizations had adopted it. This practice became law with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which also ensured employees a minimum wage and overtime pay.

But shiny new toys are always begging for reinvention. Before long, problems with the newly established five day work week started to surface. Perhaps ironically, the standardization of labor that Ford spearheaded led to too many cars on the road at the same time, and large cities dealt with chronic traffic congestion. Employees railed against the inflexibility of their work schedules. And employers sought methods to attract and retain talent.

Within a few decades, tweaks on the original model began to emerge, commonly known as alternative work schedules (AWS). It’s taken on all sorts of adaptations for a variety of reasons. There’s flexible work, remote work, and compressed schedules. Let’s break down what some of these key terms mean.

Part-time Work

Just as it sounds, part-time work shortens the regular work week. For example, a forty hour week can be shortened to 32, where an employee would work four shifts of eight hours.

Remote Work

Remote work is when an employee works away from a central office and communicates with a team digitally.

Hybrid Work

A hybrid model combines remote and in-person work. Someone comes into work a few days a week, and works remotely on the other days.

Flexible Schedule

A flexible schedule, generally, is where all employees work during core hours. These hours generally are midday, such as between 10 and 2. But on either side of this window, it’s any employee’s preference when to start or end the day. Some may work from 7 to 3, while others from 10 to 6. So long as the workday lasts 8 hours, they begin and end the day as they choose.

Some variations of flexible schedules allow employees to vary the number of hours they work each day, so long as the weekly total is 40 hours. For example, someone may come in for 10 hours Monday through Wednesday, then five on Thursday and Friday.

Compressed Schedule

As mentioned earlier, a compressed schedule shortens a forty hour work week into fewer days. This takes on a variety of forms, and can shorten ten workdays into nine, or five workdays into four.

Annualized Hours

This work schedule assigns employees a certain number of hours to work each year. It is popular for project-based or seasonal work, where an employee is in high demand for short bursts, then not needed for a duration of time.

As you can see, alternative work schedules have taken on many forms. As the forty hour work week is the legal standard, an AWS introduces many complications. Each of these schedules must take into account things like overtime, holiday pay, and paid time off.

6 Benefits to a 9/80 Schedule

The 9/80 schedule has really caught on, as it offers many benefits to employers, employees, and the community at large.

1. A Day Off

With the 9/80 schedule, Labor Day doesn’t just come once a year. It comes every other weekend! The opportunity for mini vacations abounds. And on holiday weekends, this vacation extends to four whole days off work.

2. A Cure for Burnout

The daily grind can be a sure recipe for burnout. Between raising kids, managing a household, and keeping down a job, a person has little time left for relaxation, leisure and even sleep. The 9/80 creates a breather day. It’s an ideal window for completing all sorts of tasks and chores and clearing the way for a relaxing Saturday and Sunday.

3. A Quiet Day for the ‘Leftovers’

In an organization that offers a 9/80 schedule, generally some people opt in and others opt out. This means that every second Friday, only a small portion of the workforce shows up at the office. This creates a workspace with less jibber jabber and fewer interruptions, and allows for focused deep work.

4. Fewer Commuters on the Road

The 9/80 schedule reduces an employee’s commute time by 10%. This is a huge boon for anyone with a long, heinous commute. Additionally, when broadly applied across a community or large organization, the 9/80 schedule significantly reduces the number of cars on the road during rush hour. Fridays become a much welcome respite from congestion on major highways.

5. A Regular Workplace Rhythm

One problem with taking a single vacation day is that no one else in the office is taking the same day off. It’s not unlikely that you’ll be bombarded with work emails on your mini-vacation.

However, with the 9/80 schedule, the entire organization anticipates this day off. It becomes built into the culture and rhythm of the work cycle. This allows employees to have some momentary detachment from work obligations.

6. An Enticing Perk

A workplace culture that values employee well-being is attractive for job seekers. The 9/80 schedule is one way that a company offers flexibility and attracts and retains talent.

With so many perks, it’s no wonder that many employers, employees and city officials advocate for the 9/80 schedule. However, it does pose significant challenges as well.

8 Challenges to a 9/80 Schedule

While the 9/80 schedule offers a range of benefits, it also has many other effects that are not entirely positive. Let’s consider some of the downsides and challenges to implementing this schedule into the workplace.

1. Ripple Effects

In an organization with thousands of employees, when a plurality routinely doesn’t show up for work, it impacts the organization as a whole. For example, the demand for cafeteria workers and janitors drops significantly on the breather day. And so in an organization that adopts the 9/80 schedule, many employees are forced to take a day off, regardless.

2. Long Workdays

The 9/80 schedule creates a stretch of very long work days. Particularly in a front-loaded schedule, employees work 25% more than they would in a regular 40 hour week. In high pressure jobs, or positions that require physical labor, this increase in hours can lead to overwork and burnout.

2. Complications with Payroll and Accounting

As stated, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 requires overtime pay whenever weekly hours exceed 40. The 9/80 schedule, then, creates a conundrum for accounting. Every organization wants to avoid paying overtime, yet employees on the schedule regulatory work 44 to 50 hours every other week. Some accounting offices solve this by starting the work week in the middle of the day on Monday, or the middle of the day on Friday. Other offices don’t want to touch it at all, and so the 9/80 schedule can’t get up and running.

4. A Decrease in Camaraderie

In-person interaction is critical to building relationships, and a work routine with fewer people in the office can lead to a breakdown in synergy and team building.

5. Frequent “Violations”

Oftentimes, an employee on the 9/80 schedule is forced to come into work on his Friday off. Perhaps there is a critical meeting, or a deadline to meet.

6. A Burden to Coworkers

When employers offer flexible work packages, it can create a burden to coworkers. It can mean that other people have to pick up the slack in order to meet deadlines, or else it slows projects down altogether.

7. Inequalities

Not everyone can qualify for a 9/80 schedule. An administrative assistant or receptionist, for example, needs to be in the office every day. This inequality can create resentment and schisms within the workforce.

8. A Longer Day in Daycare

For employees with children, a nine or even ten hour day means that children are in a daycare for an extra long stretch.

And so the 9/80 schedule isn’t entirely perfect. But it’s good enough to get a pass for many organizations.

Conclusion

When organizations struggle to retain or attract talent, offering the 9/80 work schedule is a good solution. Employers are attracted to flexible work schedules, and the 9/80 schedule can mitigate against burnout as well.

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023

Ready for Enterprise Project Management? Grab Your Top Tools and Tips to Boost Efficiency

Are you planning a major software upgrade? Launch a new product line? Conduct clinical trials?

Complex projects require many tools to hit the finish line. And enterprise project management is one of them. It ensures you deliver projects despite risks and uncertainties. What’s more, it helps your business stay competitive in the long run.

So, join us as we discover the unique characteristics of enterprise project management. As we move on, we’ll share top steps and tips for success. Finally, you’ll get the best enterprise project management tools to help you take your project management game to the next level.

What Is Enterprise Project Management?

Enterprise Project Management, also known as EPM, is the organized effort to plan, execute, and oversee all your projects, big or small.

To explain, EPM looks at the big picture and makes sure all the projects work well together to help the business succeed.

In simpler words, while project managers focus on day-to-day tasks, EPM takes a broader view. It connects the dots between different projects, resources, and priorities. As a result, it ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.

What’s Unique about Enterprise Project Management?

1. Managing Large and Complex Projects

Scale and complexity is a major factor to consider. Once a project grows too big for a single project manager, EPM steps in to take charge. While standard project management handles individual projects, EPM juggles multiple projects at the same time.

2. Strategic Vision and Alignment

At the heart of EPM lies the responsibility of strategic planning. This means that EPM is more than just task completion. It’s about aligning each project with the company’s goals and strategies. In contrast, regular project management mainly focuses on immediate tasks.

3. Resource Harmony

Similar to a skilled chef, EPM ensures that the right ingredients (people, funds, and equipment) are used effectively across all projects. On the other hand, regular project management primarily focuses on resource utilization for a single project.

4. Efficient Project Integration

EPM takes care of multiple projects, ensuring they operate without conflicts or duplicating efforts. Conversely, regular project management treats each project separately.

5. Continuous Learning and Improvement

EPM is like a machine that keeps getting better by learning from each project and using those lessons for the next ones. So, you have a clear path to make improvements based on what you or your teammates have learned.

6. A Holistic View for the Top Management

EPM provides top-level executives with a complete view of all ongoing projects. With this super view, they can make sure the company is heading in the right direction. If they spot a problem, they can fix it before it becomes a big issue.

7. Long-Term Planning

EPM is like a wise gardener. They not only plant beautiful flowers today but also plan for the garden to thrive year after year. They choose the right soil, water the plants properly, and even think about how to make the garden even more stunning next year. It’s like having long-term goals to make your business flourish over time.

Who Is Responsible for Enterprise Project Management?

Enterprise project management (EPM) involves a team effort. So, responsibilities are distributed across various roles. Let’s break it down:

Top Leadership

As soon as a company decides to implement EPM, top leadership, such as the CEO or executives, plays a crucial role.
They not only set the vision but also allocate resources and make strategic decisions to support EPM.

EPM Office

Once the EPM initiative is underway, an EPM Office is often established.
This office ensures that EPM practices align with the company’s objectives.

Project Managers

While EPM provides the framework, project managers are essential players.
They collaborate with the EPM office to align their projects with the company’s strategic goals.

Project Teams

Project teams consist of individuals responsible for executing the tasks within each project.
They not only carry out the work but also communicate progress and challenges to the project managers.

Resource Managers

Resource managers, while not always exclusive to EPM, play a vital role.
They ensure that resources are used optimally across various projects.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders such as customers, vendors, and partners are also involved in EPM.
They provide input, feedback, and support, helping to shape and improve the project management process.

IT Support

Finally, iIn the digital age, IT departments contribute significantly to EPM.
They provide the necessary technology and tools. Plus, they ensure the security and functionality of EPM systems.

Continuous Improvement Teams

EPM doesn’t stop at implementation; it continuously evolves.
Special teams or individuals are often tasked with monitoring and improving EPM processes and practices.

Expert Tips for Implementing Enterprise Project Management

To become really good at using EPM, you need to think strategically, keep getting better, and be open to using the latest tools. If you follow these advanced tips, you can make EPM work really well for you.

1. Get Top Bosses on Board

First, ensure top-level executives are fully committed. Not just verbally, but by actively allocating resources and championing the project.

2. Focus on Customized Solutions

Ensure your EPM solution is tailored to fit your organization’s unique needs. Why? Because off-the-shelf solutions often fall short in addressing specific requirements.

3. Protect Your Data

With data security becoming more important, include strong cybersecurity in your enterprise project management system. Protect sensitive project data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.

4. Use Data for Insights

Relying solely on gut feelings? If you don’t make the most of advanced reporting and analytics, watch out! You might be missing out on important insights that can make the difference between success and failure.

5. Be Flexible in Your Approach

A rigid approach can be limiting. So, consider adopting hybrid project methods for adaptability. This way, you’ll be able to respond to change more quickly.

6. Share What You Learn

Finally, check if your knowledge management system is effective. Capture and share best practices and lessons to prevent valuable insights from disappearing.

Best Enterprise Project Management Software

Can a single change transform the way you handle projects?

When you introduce powerful tools into the mix, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”

In this last section, let’s look into the top tools you can use to remove barriers in communication, improve teamwork, and reach your business goals faster.

Teamly: Boosting teamwork and task management.

Designed with remote teams in mind, Teamly is a robust project management tool to supercharge your team’s productivity.

Key highlights for Teamly

Real-time team chat. One of Teamly’s standout features is its real-time chat functionality, which keeps communication lines open. Whether it’s a quick message, file sharing, or initiating a video call, remote teams have a platform to collaborate in.
Organize, delegate, and monitor. Task management lies at the core of any effective project management software. And Teamly excels in this. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and closely monitor progress – all in one convenient place.
Screen capture. Wanna improve collaboration and understanding? Share your screen during meetings or discussions to get your message through faster.
Time tracking. With Teamly’s time-tracking feature, you can rest assured that your team uses time optimally.

Workfront: Streamline complex projects with ease.

Workfront is a work management platform designed to streamline project workflows. It allows teams to collaborate efficiently, automate tasks, and track progress.

By the way, Workfront grows with your business, so it’s suitable for enterprises of all sizes.

Key highlights for Workfront

Manage tasks and projects. You can use Workfront to keep track of all the work you need to do and the big projects your team is working on.
Make work easier. Tired of repetitive tasks? Workfront can do the boring tasks for you, so you don’t have to.
Work together. Talk to each other, share files, and plan projects together, easier than ever.
Do things your way. Workfront lets you set up the way you want to work. You can make sure that your projects follow the rules that are important to your enterprise project management.

Planview AdaptiveWork: Your solution for streamlined enterprise project management.

Planview AdaptiveWork (formerly Clarizen) is a robust enterprise project management software that empowers organizations to align their projects with strategic goals. It’s a valuable tool for mid-sized and large enterprises looking to improve their project management practices.

Key highlights for Planview AdaptiveWork

Demand management. Planview AdaptiveWork helps gather project requests from your entire company. This way, you can be sure your projects match your big goals.
Workload planning. With this tool, you can give out work to your team. It checks who’s available and good at what, so you don’t put too much on anyone’s plate.
Financial management. What’s more, Planview AdaptiveWork helps to plan and control your project’s finances. You can follow your project budgets, see what you spend, and figure out how much you’re gaining.
Real-time visibility. See how your projects are going right now. This helps program managers and team leaders follow the progress, spot problems, and make quick decisions. It’s like having a live map of your project’s journey.

Celoxis: Your unified project management powerhouse.

Celoxis is like the all-in-one manager for your projects, whether you’re a team or an individual. Among other enterprise project management tools, you can think of Celoxis as a control center where everyone comes together to deliver projects.

Key highlights for Celoxis

Planning. You can sketch out your project plans here. Set tasks, create milestones, link them together, and assign people to get the job done.
Task master. Keeping track of tasks is easy-peasy. You can hand out jobs to your team, see how they’re doing, and make sure the most important stuff gets done first.
Teamwork. Next, it’s a breeze for your team to work together here. Share ideas, files, and updates in real-time.
Useful reports. Finally, Celoxis can whip up all sorts of reports and charts to keep tabs on your project. You always have your dashboard with performance data at hand.

The Bottom Line

Enterprise project management tools help you plan well, automate tasks, and make smart decisions using data. It’s not just about managing projects. It’s about making your organization work better in a fast-changing world.

Now, the choice is in your hands. Use EMP in your organization, and you’ll set the stage for a brighter future. A future where you work smarter, innovate more and achieve greater success.