Track what matters

Micromanagers are pretty easy to spot. They’re the ones asking for the detailed reports on every aspect of a given project. Who has time to prepare these reports? Got me.

Thankfully, there are experts out there who have put some real time into how managers should get involved so as track what really matters:

Gurus/Meta Sites

• David Allen … a practical approach to time management called “Getting Things Done” or GTD for those “in the know.” Check out the free tools available for download… registration required.
• 43 Folders
• Lifehacker

Organizers

There are lots and lots of systems you can buy to keep you organized but few of them really work for senior managers. Here are a handful that do:

• DIY Planner … set of templates that allow you to build your own planning system, to meet your exact needs.
• Harvard Planner … no nonsense system from Executive Organization, not associated with Harvard University or its business school.
• Circa … another no nonsense system from Levenger.
• Memogendas … good system when you use a PDA or Smart Phone for your calendar. Focuses on note taking and to do list ONLY vs. scheduling.
• The Printable CEO … for freelancers. Provides a set of templates to keep you focused and on track, produced by David Seah. Very cool.

One system for organizing your life you won’t find here is Franklin Covey. Why? Because like Curves, the company DOES NOT support a woman’s right to choose.

Ecommerce Sites

• See Jane Work … store targets women who care about design but men can shop here too.
• The Daily Planner … best selection of moleskins and other planning notebooks available bar none.

Software Tools

• Basecamp … from the folks at 37Signals Design. An example of a Web 2.0 application.
• Central Desktop … less well known than Basecamp but as a later entrant has additional features that Basecamp lacks.
• Onproject … one of the first web-based project-management tools.
• Pacific Edge … targeted at the medium- to large- enterprise.
• Green Array … simple UI with green, yellow, red lights tell you which tasks are on time or running late.

Sharing is nice. Please share with a friend or colleague.

Related posts:

1. What Matters Most – in Driving Response

Related posts:

1. What Matters Most – in Driving Response