One of the qualities that every project manager should have is organization skills. While being well-organized is a necessity, there is still much you need to invest in and do for your project to be successful. There are so many suggested methods and strategies for project managers, but I have found that the following ten ways work wonders when it comes to staying organized.

1. Set priorities

This should be your number one on the list. Without prioritizing and defining the to-do list, you will end up in a mess. Setting clear priorities will benefit both you and your team members as this is the only correct way for them to know what to start working on first.

Having a clear list of priorities will also help you keep better track of the results you are expecting from each team member individually and the team as a whole. In a sense, the priority list will help you tackle each goal one step at a time and as a result do your job more efficiently.

2. Define deadlines

Having a deadline for each line of work will create room for better organization. It will motivate your entire team to organize your time accordingly so that you are never behind on a task.

Some people in your team will possibly feel intimidated by the deadlines. Still, they are necessary so that you know that you are not falling behind on your responsibilities towards the company.

3. Set milestones

If your only goal is the finished project, the process can seem somewhat intimidating. Breaking an ultimate goal into smaller milestones will help you get better track of your progress, and it will also allow you to follow your deadlines easier.

By setting milestones, you can work on everything at the right pace and without pressure. On top of that, your team will continue to be motivated as they achieve small but significant victories along the way.

4. Know your goals

Even when you set milestones, you should still emphasize both your short-term and long-term goals. Keeping your eyes on the prize is always helpful, but you should also be able to split the responsibilities of each team member has along the way into smaller and more manageable goals.

Apart from helping you keep better track of your process, knowing and setting specific goals will also help your team function better in unison as they will know when they have to complete each part of the project to achieve success.

5. Communicate

Communication has always been a key to good organization. Constantly encouraging open communication and addressing every question that comes up from your team should be a priority to you. The more comfortable you make it for your team to talk to you and one another, the better you will be able to work together.

“In order to be able to work in a group with other people, you will have to trust them and understand them. Effective communication will allow you to strengthen the relationship between your team members and help you all function as a team instead of individual entities”, advises Marie Fincher, a writer for TrustMyPaper.

6. Use automation and scheduling tools

When you have technology at the reach of your hand, why shouldn’t you use it? Using automation tools for emailing, reports or scheduling will help you not only save time but also do your job more successfully.  As a project manager, it is only normal for you to have limited time and the ability to remember every meeting and deadline by heart.

“Automation and scheduling tools are something you should invest in as they will help you keep track of your and your team’s responsibilities and allow you to be notified for any upcoming events, changes in your team’s plans and goals you need to reach soon,” advises Josh Loren, an HR Manager for Studicus.

7. Delegate assignments

It will be much easier for every member of your team if they have a certain task to focus on, rather than roaming around without a specific goal. Delegating tasks is more than just splitting your big goal into smaller milestones. This is about giving the right employee the right responsibility so they can thrive.

Delegating tasks will also leave you more time to focus on important issues regarding your team and the company you are working for. You will be able to manage each member a lot more effectively and keep track of their performance and results.

8. Use templates

Why would you repeat tedious tasks if you don’t have to? Templates for emails or spreadsheets will save you a lot of trouble, and they are so easy to use that you should give them a try.

 Many different websites offer a variety of free templates for your needs, and they can be very affordable. On top of that, templates will be more appealing to the eye of your team, and they will help you organize your thoughts, in case you don’t know how to go about a topic.

9. Keep track of the progress

Keeping track of the progress your team members have made can be simplified by just following some right strategies. Making progress reports will not only help you follow the project status easily, but it will also help your team know how they are performing on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

This process will allow you to know whether you need to speed something up or make any other type of change, whether that is to your planning or your initial goal.

10. Use project management software

Lastly, if you haven’t already used project management software, you should give it a try. It will make everything easier, from planning projects to managing your team’s tasks, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important anymore.

There are different tools you can use, with different price points, which can help you achieve certain results. The best thing you can do is download some free trials of management software on your computer and see which one could help make your job easier and more effective.  

Get started with your LiquidPlanner Trial today:

Staying organized and on top of your responsibilities

Being a project manager will require you to put more of an effort into making sure that your team understands their responsibilities and is working hard to achieve all of your shared goals. Being organized and focused on your goal will help you inspire your team to work in a more orderly fashion and strengthen the bond between you.

Do you believe organization is an important skill for a project manager? Let us know in the comments!

Diana Nadim is a writer and editor who has a Master’s degree in Marketing. She combines her passion for writing with her interest in research and creates thought-provoking content in various fields. Besides working as a contributor writer for WowGrade and IsAccurate, Diana also runs her own 3to5Marketing blog. What inspires her the most in her writing is traveling and meeting new people. Follow her on Twitter.