Refining Workflow LLC

Do you often wonder which project management tool to use when? Over the next few weeks, we’ll share when to use different project management tools. Tool #1 - Trello Trello is a super simple way to manage tasks via cards in a list format. Similar tasks and lists are managed on a board. You can drag and drop cards between lists easily. The names of the lists are whatever you want.  The lists can be split up by status or even size or a specific team. Templates are available and you can upgrade a board with power-ups that connect to other functionality or tools. Trello is an easy to use tool that needs minimal training for any team to use. It is easy to invite members to a board and manage the tasks within that board. #projectmanagement #solopreneur #smallbusiness #tipsandtricks

Imagine this scene, your manager has asked you to capture how long you are spending on tasks related to your latest project. While you have estimated the time it should take to complete different tasks, management wants to know how accurate those estimates really are. Unsure of where to start, you scratch your head and wish you had more guidance. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about our love/hate relationship with time tracking. https://lnkd.in/egmTNpXZ #projectmanagement #timetracking #capacityplanning #estimation

We often get a question at Refining Workflow - what are the key steps for a successful project?  Over the past weeks, we have shared our top 5 tips for a successful project. Here’s a recap of our tips, but be sure to check-out the past posts for more information. #1 - Defining scope - both what is in scope and what is out of scope - is a crucial part of kicking off a new project. While the project lead and/or sponsor can initially define this scope, it is important for all team members and stakeholders to review and confirm their agreement on the scope. #2 - Communication is essential in the success of any project. Team members, stakeholders and the overall audience need to understand why the project is happening, how it will benefit them, and what you need from them to help the project succeed. Give opportunities to share feedback around the project tasks - often and not right before you launch the project - and be responsive to what you hear. #3 - Risk management for projects means taking the time to identify what could go wrong throughout the project process. It might seem strange to start a project and think about what could go wrong but taking the time to identify the risks up front can help the team plan and be prepared as the project progresses. #4 - A timeline helps guide the team around milestones, when feedback is needed and overall sets clear expectations of what will be done at each step. It is there to eliminate confusion and should be adjusted as the milestones are completed. #5 - At the end of the project, take the time to reflect on how your project went. Ask the team what worked well, what didn’t work well, what surprised them, and what could be improved. This reflection can help you to perform better with future projects. #projectmanagement #solopreneur #smallbusiness #tipsandtricks

Refining Workflow is a proud sponsor of AIIP and the AIIP 2024 Symposium. More thoughts to come on this fabulous event in the near future. #professionaldevelopment #solopreneur #smallbusinessowner

One of our habits is reading books and we are always on the hunt for helpful and thought provoking non-fiction titles. Here are some of our recommendations that we have read recently:  -- Exit Interview - Kristi Coulter -- Atomic Habits - James Clear -- The Age of Overwhelm - Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky -- How I Built This - Guy Raz -- Speak - Tunde Oyeneyin -- The Passion Economy - Adam Davidson #books #reading #nonfiction #solopreneur 

Today, we are sharing a glimpse into a day as a project manager. We currently have multiple contracts active so most of our day is facilitating meetings for different clients and projects. Outside of meetings, we have some daily and weekly tasks that we always do on a Monday.  We are preparing meeting agendas for the rest of the week or pulling out priority items that need to be focused on. Sometimes we research how to solve an issue or how to configure a specific system. These research projects are a nice way to break up the meetings and the timeline reviews. Janel is also preparing to travel to a Symposium later this week. She's working to finish up some tasks as well as start to pack what items she'll need for that trip. #projectmanagement #dayinthelife #solopreneur #smallbusinessowner

Continuing our series of key steps for a successful project, this week’s tip focuses on holding a retrospective at the end of a project. Over the past couple of weeks, we have talked a lot about what items are needed at the beginning of the project and while tasks are happening. But the end of the project is just as important. At the end of the project, take the time to reflect on how your project went. Ask the team what worked well, what didn’t work well, what surprised them, and what could be improved. This reflection can help you to perform better with future projects. Consider posting the retrospective results for other project teams to reference as well going forward. #projectmanagement #solopreneur #smallbusiness #tipsandtricks

Taking time to list out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats can be helpful in strategic planning but also in different situations. Your team may consider doing a SWOT analysis once a year to help with planning for projects and initiatives in the upcoming year. Or you may consider doing a SWOT analysis before making a business decision or pivot. This analysis allows you and your team to evaluate a project or process from all angles including both internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) as well as external factors (opportunities and threats). #projectmanagement #swotanalysis #strategy

Continuing our series of key steps for a successful project, this week’s tip focuses on building a timeline. A timeline helps guide the team around milestones, when feedback is needed and overall sets clear expectations of what will be done at each step. It is there to eliminate confusion and should be adjusted as the milestones are completed.  Consider which tasks might “block” or be dependent on another task. Identify which tasks are flexible and can be deprioritized if emergencies come up. Also “know your audience” when setting deadlines.  If the stakeholders tend to need multiple reminders, set the feedback deadline earlier than when the team really needs the information to allow the project to not be delayed. Similarly, if you notice a team member needs multiple reminders on their tasks, adjust the project plan to allow more time for them to complete those tasks to keep the project from being delayed. Remember your timeline is dynamic and should be updated and adjusted as the project goes along. #projectmanagement #solopreneur #smallbusiness #tipsandtricks

You’ve set the scope for your new project and communicated it to your stakeholders and team members. You have defined a set of tasks to get started, but now you are being asked to estimate how long these tasks will take. How do you create these estimates for the project tasks? Check out our latest blog post to learn more about task estimation. https://lnkd.in/eyEvAt-5 #projectmanagement #timeline #taskmanagement #estimation