Leading a team can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth of projects and dynamics, each more complex than the last. But fear not, as there is a plethora of resources available to support you in becoming a capable and effective manager for your team. Drawing from over 12 years of experience in IT, business, and management, I am well-acquainted with the challenges that come with leadership. I am thrilled to share the transformative resources that have helped me evolve into a better leader, enabling me to manage projects more efficiently while dedicating valuable time to supporting my team. By offering guidance, assistance, and a listening ear to my staff, I have successfully steered my team towards achieving their goals.
In this blog, I will delve into these invaluable resources, offering insights on how they can enhance your leadership skills. Be prepared for practical tips, strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that will empower you to be the leader your team deserves. Stay tuned for a journey of growth and development!
1. Fellow
Good managers know when to have team meetings and when to skip them. They also know how to plan, lead, and follow up on meetings. Using apps like Fellow can help streamline these tasks.
Fellow lets you create meeting agendas and share them with your team in advance. This helps everyone come prepared with questions and discussion points. You can also take notes during meetings and assign tasks to team members. However, Fellow doesn’t offer real-time audio recording. After the meeting, you can gather feedback from your team to improve future meetings.
Key features of Fellow include creating agendas, taking notes, assigning tasks, and gathering feedback. The tool offers a free plan and paid options, starting at $6 per user per month.
Using Fellow can help make meetings more efficient and productive by ensuring everyone is prepared, organized, and accountable. It’s a useful tool for businesses of any size or industry looking to save time and get more out of their meetings.
2. Todoist
Todoist is a helpful task management app that helps you prioritize and organize your tasks. It can show you which tasks are most important, saving you time and keeping you on track. While it’s great for tracking team productivity, it doesn’t have a Gantt chart feature. Managers find Todoist useful for organizing tasks and assigning them to team members. The app offers a secure space for work tasks, with clear project overviews to keep you informed. You can create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks easily. Todoist also lets you collaborate with others, delegate tasks, and sync across devices for easy project management. It can be integrated with other apps, like email and calendars, for added convenience.
3. Google Workspace
Google Workspace is a collection of essential Google tools like Gmail, Docs, and Spreadsheets that many successful organizations use daily. This suite includes features like slides, calendars, meetings, and more for team collaboration. However, teams may eventually need more storage, which could require upgrading to a paid plan.
The tools in Google Workspace were previously known as G Suite and are cloud-based programs like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Forms, and Sites. These programs allow real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
Google Workspace offers different pricing plans, starting at $6 per user per month for basic features and going up to $12 per user per month for advanced security and administration tools. The goal of Google Workspace is to facilitate easy collaboration among multiple users on the same files, with changes being saved automatically.
You can integrate Google Workspace with other apps like Salesforce, Slack, and Trello for increased efficiency. The suite also provides robust security features such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, and permission settings to protect your data and manage devices.
4. Zoom
You might be using Zoom a lot lately because it’s great for connecting remote teams with its video and audio tools. Zoom is versatile, allowing for live chats, webinars, and screen-sharing. However, using Zoom frequently can lead to “Zoom fatigue.”
Zoom Shift is a work scheduling app that helps with creating schedules based on employee availability, overtime, and time-off requests. It improves staff accountability and reduces scheduling conflicts. The app also integrates with payroll software for easy data export. It promotes healthy team communication and enhances the employee experience.
Google Drive is a cloud storage service where you can upload and access various files from any device. This allows for easy file sharing and accessibility.
Zoom Shift offers digital work scheduling on desktop and mobile platforms, enabling real-time schedule oversight and timesheet management. You can automate schedules, customize templates for different shifts, and cover employee absence scenarios like sick leave. Pricing plans include Starter, Premium, and Enterprise, with a free 14-day trial available without credit card information.
5. Proof Hub
Proof Hub is a helpful project management tool that can assist you in managing your team’s projects. Unlike some other project management software, Proof Hub offers flat-rate subscription rates, making it more affordable. However, to avoid higher fees, you need to pay with PayPal or a credit card.
Proof Hub is known for its user-friendly interface, which is available in six languages, making it a good option for managing international projects. It allows you to easily create and assign tasks, track project progress, visualize projects with Gantt charts, and review and give feedback on files. The software also provides detailed project reports, time tracking features, and a cloud storage space for files. Additionally, Proof Hub has note-taking capabilities, a built-in chat app for communication, and a feature for managing work requests.
6. Evernote
Evernote has made a big difference in how I work efficiently and effectively. Before, I had messy pieces of paper all over my desk with random notes and ideas written on them. But now, with Evernote, I have one place where I can keep all my information that I can easily access from any of my devices.
One of the best things about Evernote is how quickly I can find my notes. Even if I wrote something down months ago, I can use a few simple words to find exactly what I need. I can also organize and tag my notes to make searching even faster. Another great feature is the ability to work together with others on notes. Whether it’s for a work project or a simple grocery list, I can collaborate with my coworkers or partner in real time.
7. Whereby
I find remote work much easier with Whereby, an excellent video conference service. When working from home, it’s important to have a reliable and simple way to talk to colleagues and clients. What I like the most about Whereby is that I don’t need any technical skills to use it. The video and sound quality are excellent, and the interface is easy to understand. Another great feature is the ability to create private rooms and share links with others without them needing to make an account or download any software. Because of this, I can work effectively and efficiently from anywhere.
8. Chanty
I really like using Chanty to talk to people. I use it a lot to stay in touch with my co-workers, friends, and family. It’s really easy to use, and I know how it works well. I can use it for personal things and for work things too. One thing I really like is that I can make different groups for different things and invite certain people to each group. It’s also great because I can save all my messages and find them easily later. Chanty can do lots of helpful things, like sending files, sharing screens, and leaving voice messages. Overall, Chanty is a really good app that has saved me time and helped me get things done.
9. TeuxDeux
TeuxDeux is a great app to help you stay organized and focused. It has a simple design that makes it easy to manage your tasks and prioritize what needs to be done. Whether you’re using it for fun or work, TeuxDeux is a useful tool.
One of the best things about TeuxDeux is how easy it is to use. Unlike other to-do list apps that have too many features, TeuxDeux keeps it simple. It provides a clean workspace where you can focus on getting things done without any distractions. Plus, it offers helpful tools to help you organize your tasks. You can easily move tasks to different days, mark them as completed, or set them to repeat regularly. And if you need more information or context for a task, you can add notes and files to it.
10. Time Doctor
Time Doctor is a tool that helps you be more productive. It tracks your time, blocks distractions, and helps you get more work done. You can see exactly how you spend your time, including what websites and programs you use. It also has helpful features like project management, time tracking, and monitoring your team.
Working from home has made me realize how important it is to manage my time well. That’s when I found Time Doctor, and it changed everything for me. The time tracking feature showed me exactly how much time I was spending on each project. The productivity reports were also a game-changer because they showed me how much work I was getting done each day. Setting goals and tracking my progress helped me stay motivated. Overall, Time Doctor has made working from home easier and more productive for me.
11. Shift
Change is a constant part of life, and it can be challenging to deal with. Whether we’re changing jobs, relationships, or our personal situation, the transition can feel scary and stressful. However, if we approach it with the right mindset, we may discover that change can bring opportunities for growth. To accept change, we need to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. It’s normal to feel nervous or resistant to something new, but if we accept that change is inevitable, we can see it as a chance to develop. By changing our perspective, we can shift our focus from the past to the future.
Changing the way we think can help us see things in a new and positive way. Instead of seeing change as something negative, we can view it as an exciting opportunity to learn and grow. If we adjust our perspective, we can make the most of the possibilities that come with change. It’s also important to let go of expectations and attachments. We often hold onto things, people, and experiences that are familiar and comfortable. But by releasing these attachments and being open to new opportunities, we create space for personal growth and development.
12. Sales mate
I’ve had great success using Sales Mate, a customer relationship management (CRM) program, in my work life. Having an easy-to-use and effective CRM system is important for keeping track of leads, tasks, and the sales pipeline. My sales partner has helped me increase my sales efforts significantly. One of my favorite things about Sales Mate is how user-friendly it is. It’s very simple to use, and everything is organized well, making it easy to find what I need. With Sales Mate, I can manage my contacts, deals, tasks, and calendar all in one place.
Another great feature of SalesMate is its email integration. I can easily sync my email account and keep track of all my conversations with potential and current clients with just a few clicks. This has made a big difference for me because I don’t have to switch between different platforms to find the information I need. The reporting and analytics tools in SalesMate have also been really helpful. I can easily generate reports on important metrics like closed deals, revenue, and sales activity. These reports have given me valuable insights to improve my sales strategy.
13. Paymo
Paymo is an easy-to-use project management software that helps you stay organized and meet deadlines. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create and manage tasks, assign priorities, and share work with your team, regardless of your experience as a project manager. With Paymo, you can keep track of your to-do lists, set due dates, and monitor the time spent on each task, making it easier to bill clients and manage your budget. Collaboration is made simple with features like task delegation, file sharing, and in-app chat, and integration with popular apps like Slack and Google Drive. Paymo’s reporting and analytics features allow you to compile detailed summaries of completed work, time spent, and team efficiency, helping you identify and address any inefficiencies in your processes.
14. Noisli
Noisli is a web and mobile app that plays different calming sounds to help you stay focused, relax, and get work done. It has a wide range of ambient noises like rain, thunder, wind, waves, and woodland sounds that you can combine to create your perfect environment. You can adjust the volume of each sound to suit your preferences.
In addition to the sound library, Noisli also has a color generator that can create a soothing background to match the music you’re listening to. This customization option makes your experience unique. Studies have shown that white noise, a type of constant sound like static or a fan, can improve concentration and productivity. Noisli understands this and offers a “white noise” sound specifically designed for this purpose.
Noisli is not only beneficial for increasing efficiency but also for relaxation. It offers soothing sounds like soft rain, crackling fire, and birds tweeting, which are ideal for meditation, falling asleep, or winding down. These sounds create a peaceful atmosphere and help calm a busy mind, making it easier to sleep.
Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or someone who needs help focusing and unwinding, Noisli is the perfect solution. It’s user-friendly, customizable, and has a wide variety of sounds to choose from. It’s a powerful tool for improving productivity and happiness.
15. Deputy
Businesses, big or small, and especially those that have employees who work different shifts, understand the importance of creating schedules that work well. It can be a challenge to manage shifts, make sure there are enough people working, and communicate effectively with your team. But with Deputy, an easy-to-use software for scheduling shifts, you can make the process simpler and save time.
- Easy and Quick Shift Scheduling: Deputy is user-friendly software that helps create employee schedules quickly. You can assign shifts, adjust times, and make other changes easily using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Say goodbye to time-consuming manual scheduling.
- Demand-Based Scheduling: The ability of the deputy to change staff hours according to demand is a helpful tool. The software looks at information like sales, foot traffic, and past patterns to decide the best way to assign your staff. By scheduling the right number of workers for each shift, it is possible to increase productivity and make customers happier.
- Clear and Effective Communication: When you have different work schedules, it’s crucial to be able to communicate well. Deputy is a tool that helps you do just that. It lets you easily let your staff know about any changes, share details about upcoming shifts, and keep everyone updated in one convenient location. The software even has a mobile app that lets workers check their schedules, get reminders, and have conversations with their bosses and coworkers.
- Streamlined Staff Leave Management: Managing time off requests can be challenging when employees have different types of requests. However, Deputy simplifies this process by allowing workers to submit their time off requests online. Managers can easily review and approve these requests, ensuring that there are enough staff members available and minimizing conflicts. This streamlined approach helps maintain a smooth workflow and minimizes potential issues.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Deputy offers a complete solution for keeping track of when employees come to work and leave. With Deputy, workers can use their smartphones, a web browser, or regular time clocks to record their hours. This feature gives you real-time information on staff attendance, making it easier to manage and track labor costs accurately.
- Seamless Payroll Integration: Entering timesheet data into your payroll system can be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, by integrating with popular payroll services, Deputy eliminates this issue completely. With just one click, you can export your timesheets, making payroll processing faster and more accurate.
Overall, Deputy’s innovative features make it a must-have tool for businesses looking to streamline shift scheduling, improve communication, and enhance operational efficiency. With its user-friendly interface, demand-based scheduling capabilities, streamlined leave management, comprehensive time and attendance tracking, and seamless payroll integration, Deputy offers a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using the best management tools can make your job as a manager much easier. Think about which ones you need and give them a try. Good luck! If you decide to use Nifty for project and task management, you’re just a sign-up away. As a manager, it’s crucial to make sure things stay on track and projects get done on time and on budget. Having the right tools is key to making this happen. The tools listed here can help you stay in control of your team, tasks, and communication. All you have to do is choose the ones that work best for you and start using them.