subject: How To Maximize Productivity [print this page] As the saying goes, time is moneyAs the saying goes, time is money. However, in a project with deadlines, lofty goals and expectations, this adage takes on a greater meaning. It is for this reason that project managers must make sure that both they themselves as well as members of their team are as productive as possible. While this may be difficult to keep track of at first, there are many easy ways to monitor and improve your teams productivity. Here are a few tips to maximizing your teams productivity:
Use Organizational Software
In order to stay on the same page with your team, you need to make sure that there is complete transparency and accountability. One of the best ways to do that is to use software that makes it easy and stress free for teams to collaborate. Great examples of this are Citrix which allows you to see teammate schedules and share notes as well as Googles SlideRocket which is a great tool for collaborating on presentations. The better the tools your team uses are, the more productive the time working will be.
Fewer Meetings, More Expectations
Sometimes multiple meetings to improve productivity and cohesiveness end up having the opposite effect. Having meetings to keep everyone informed as to the goals and developments in a project are crucial. However, having meetings too often or unnecessarily can constrict work flow and waste time. Instead, substitute team meetings with individual expectations. Make sure that each person is clear on the tasks that they need to get done day in and day out and is held accountable for the results of their work. This will foster the confidence, trust and independence that good teams need to be successful.
Time Management/Set Realistic, Strict Deadlines
One of the most effective ways a team can manage its resources is to astutely manage its time. Time is our most important resource and should be treated as such. Make sure that no time is wasted on needless aspects of a project. This means setting realistic, but firm deadlines for when things need to get done and making sure that your team executes on each objective. Your teams ability to deliver on its objectives will ultimately decide its success.
Focus on Objectives
In a complicated project, it is easy to get side-tracked by the many obstacles and setbacks that occur in any major project. For this reason, project managers have a special responsibility to remain focused on the tasks at hand. Effective managers are able to stay intently focused on team goals and are also able to put first things first. This means not giving in to the impulse to try and do everything at once or to get lost in the big picture. By staying focused on the day-to-day objectives and making sure that they are completed, managers encourage team members to do the same. This takes pressure off of the team and allows it to focus on doing a good job in every aspect of the project.
