Ways To Manage Project Tasks:
Stay on top of all your project tasks with these tips.
Tip #1: Have one To Do list
Forget sticky notes on your monitor, a list on your tablet, scribbled notes on a piece of paper... you need one To Do list. Using online software or an app is the best way because you'll probably always have your phone or laptop with you. You can quickly open the app on your smartphone or tablet and record the task.
If you really can't get online when new work comes to light, make a quick note somewhere (like drafting an email to yourself that will send when you reach an area with signal) and then you won't forget to add it to your online To Do list later.
Tip #2: Prioritize your tasks
Creating one central list of tasks is a big help, but then you need to think about the right way to tackle that long list of work! Prioritize your tasks. There are two ways to do this: what's urgent and what's important.
Urgent tasks are things that must be done right now, such as a request from your project sponsor to provide an update by the end of the day. Important tasks don't necessarily have to be done immediately, but they are essential for the success of the project. Of course, a task can be urgent and important at the same time and the priority of tasks can change from day to day!
Tip #3: Record tasks for other people
One of the big challenges for project managers is making sure that tasks are done by others. When it's your responsibility, you know that you will get round to it, but when it's work for someone else—let's face it, they probably need a little chase every now and then, even if it is an action that has been recorded in the minutes of a meeting.
When other people take an action in a meeting, make a note of it and add it to ProjectManager.com. The task tracking features will then let you assign it to the right person so it shows up in their personal To Do list. Then they won't forget, and you'll be able to monitor progress and remind them from time to time about what they agreed to do, making sure it is completed before the deadline.
Tip #4: Track your time
Using time sheets to track your time is a great way to manage tasks. Why? Because it helps you see exactly where you are spending your time during the day and this information lets you prioritize effectively.
For example, if you are recording your time you'll see precisely how much time you spend on social media sites and contacting your friends during office hours, and how much time you spend travelling or doing other things that don't directly contribute to moving your project forward. You'll uncover useful information like what times of day you are most productive and which projects (or project management activities) you spend most time on. Then you could look at speeding up some of the things you do routinely.
Tip #5: Delegate
Finally, look at what you can delegate. You don't have to do everything on the project yourself. Projects are a great development and learning opportunity for your team members too, so think about what you can delegate to others. Not only can you pat yourself on the back for helping develop their skills, it is also work off your To Do list that you don't have to do!
Stay on top of all your project tasks with these tips.
Tip #1: Have one To Do list
Forget sticky notes on your monitor, a list on your tablet, scribbled notes on a piece of paper... you need one To Do list. Using online software or an app is the best way because you'll probably always have your phone or laptop with you. You can quickly open the app on your smartphone or tablet and record the task.
If you really can't get online when new work comes to light, make a quick note somewhere (like drafting an email to yourself that will send when you reach an area with signal) and then you won't forget to add it to your online To Do list later.
Tip #2: Prioritize your tasks
Creating one central list of tasks is a big help, but then you need to think about the right way to tackle that long list of work! Prioritize your tasks. There are two ways to do this: what's urgent and what's important.
Urgent tasks are things that must be done right now, such as a request from your project sponsor to provide an update by the end of the day. Important tasks don't necessarily have to be done immediately, but they are essential for the success of the project. Of course, a task can be urgent and important at the same time and the priority of tasks can change from day to day!
Tip #3: Record tasks for other people
One of the big challenges for project managers is making sure that tasks are done by others. When it's your responsibility, you know that you will get round to it, but when it's work for someone else—let's face it, they probably need a little chase every now and then, even if it is an action that has been recorded in the minutes of a meeting.
When other people take an action in a meeting, make a note of it and add it to ProjectManager.com. The task tracking features will then let you assign it to the right person so it shows up in their personal To Do list. Then they won't forget, and you'll be able to monitor progress and remind them from time to time about what they agreed to do, making sure it is completed before the deadline.
Tip #4: Track your time
Using time sheets to track your time is a great way to manage tasks. Why? Because it helps you see exactly where you are spending your time during the day and this information lets you prioritize effectively.
For example, if you are recording your time you'll see precisely how much time you spend on social media sites and contacting your friends during office hours, and how much time you spend travelling or doing other things that don't directly contribute to moving your project forward. You'll uncover useful information like what times of day you are most productive and which projects (or project management activities) you spend most time on. Then you could look at speeding up some of the things you do routinely.
Tip #5: Delegate
Finally, look at what you can delegate. You don't have to do everything on the project yourself. Projects are a great development and learning opportunity for your team members too, so think about what you can delegate to others. Not only can you pat yourself on the back for helping develop their skills, it is also work off your To Do list that you don't have to do!
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