The Project Management Toolbox

Project management is the name, and driving successful projects and initiatives is our game! In the ever-changing world of Project Management with new technologies, techniques, and procedures, here are a few tools and best practices that make our Redonk PM Team’s world go ‘round:

1. Project Management Software
   If you read our Importance of Project Management blog , then let me count the ways in which investing in project management software can help streamline everything we discussed and keep the headaches at bay. There are so many different ones out there to fit your business or personal needs, and we’ve had the opportunity to work with several great ones, such as Basecamp, Asana, and Monday, to name a few. The best advice here is to take your time to review and maybe even sign up for a trial to ensure that you find what works best for you.
2. Time Management Tracker
   Depending on your industry, if you have projects that require forecasting or tracking of time completions for various stages of the project, investing in a time tracking software like Function Fox or Clockify will be a huge help in the long run. From tracking time to outputting reports, software like these will help reduce the amount of guessing on your part and the margin of time error on your budget.
3. Room to Buffer
   Speaking of time, can we talk about being kind to yourself and your team by adding some time buffers to projects and delivery timings? Look y’all; stuff happens; even with the most buttoned-up process and scheduling, there will always be outside variables and unknowns that we should account for. Adding some buffer time gives everyone a little bit of breathing room, and worst-case scenario, if it’s not needed, then the team just looks like well-put-together heroes for delivering early. And that my friends are never a bad thing.
4. Templates and SOP’s (standard operating procedures)
   Most people run for the hills at the mention of having to create an SOP or setting up templates, but you can bet that the time investment to create these on the front end will have you smooth sailing (mostly) for anything that comes up in the future. Someone’s going on vacation, and a newbie has to take over and handle getting a deliverable out the door? BOOM- There’s an SOP for that! Need to get a timeline or meeting notes deployed quickly? BAM– there’s a template for that!
5. OVER COMMUNICATE!
   This title is shown in all caps for a reason! Look, y’all, being annoying is ok if it means it reduces the chances of being over budget, off schedule, or any other various challenges we want to avoid. Own the role of keeping everyone aligned and on the same page. Put everything in writing, ask questions, and follow up until there is a clear path forward. At the end of the day, it’s better to over-communicate and end with success than stay silently siloed and end with a dumpster fire.
6. Be Flexible
   Here’s a hard truth for some people out there- no project, account, client, partner, vendor, or team member is the same, and that’s OKAY! Perhaps in that regard and somewhat ironically, being flexible is a key element of good project management. Being willing to work with people and meet them halfway can go a long way when it comes to successful outcomes for the entire process and organization. Let’s build bridges and not walls; most great things come from well-fostered collaborations.

So there you have it, friends; whether you’re looking for a place to start or creating a more robust project management system, we hope these favorite tools and best practices help you along the way. Stay flexy, let time be your friend, written processes are your friend, and remember that your voice matters!