Technology has certainly expanded the when and where of productivity. The office I work part-time is a few hundred miles away, and I’m able to work the hours that work best for me; that could be while eating breakfast or just before hitting the pavement for an evening run. And on that note, just like I purchase performance running shoes, I like to make sure my tech tools are at least standard ware (though if you saw my computer, an Acer Aspire, you’d never know it).
Right now a productivity tool I’m getting a lot out of is Trello. We use it here at GovLoop, and it really simplifies project management by keeping me on task and collaborating. Trello basically allows you to create different boards and assign people to certain tasks on those boards. The tasks also serve as threads to discuss the project. It can help keep my inbox from becoming cluttered — as long as email notifications are turned off — and allows me to really visualize what needs to be accomplished. Once I’m finished with something, I can go ahead and archive it, out of sight and out of mind.
My all-star productivity tool, however, is definitely Google Calendar. Maybe it’s not something to be proud of, but I don’t know where I would be without it. In college it took me a little while to master putting events and deliverables in Google Calendar, but once I got a smartphone the utility of it really skyrocketed for me. It’s been awhile since I’ve missed a anything thanks to Google Calendar. I love that the app on my Android phone can also sync with social sites, allowing me to keep all my events in one place.
What is your favorite productivity tool or app, and why?
I’ve tried Trello, and I really like it a lot. I’d definitely use it for team-based projects. Currently, I am using TeuxDeux for personal to-do’s.
Interesting looking tool, I might just give it a try.
I’ve heard of Trello too but haven’t tried it yet. Corey, as a side note, it would probably provide more value to your readers if you gave them links to those apps so they could check them out if they were interested. Thanks.