Every year managers are expected to bolster productivity above and beyond the previous year’s output. With the help of the right technology and tools for the job, teams can meet and exceed such lofty expectations. Here we’ll look at what successful companies are using to empower their teams to do more this year.
Basecamp
In an age where project management software is commonplace, Basecamp is regarded as the tool that forged the mold. Basecamp dates back to 1999 when it was created as 37signals before changing to its current moniker in 2014. Basecamp remains popular today because it works, and is simple to learn and use. Hallmarks of the user experience include easy to-do lists, simple management of multiple client accounts under one master account, built-in chat features, and centralized file storage. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://basecamp.com/
Asana
Asana serves similar functions to Basecamp, albeit with a different look and feel. Comparatively, Asana offers more task-based functionality. Users can build out information into each task such as meeting agendas and notes, feedback, and file attachments. Management can assign users, designate timelines and deadlines for each task, bundle several tasks into a project, and view each in a Gantt chart or calendar view. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://asana.com/
Slack
Ever ubiquitous in the modern workplace, the cloud-based team collaboration tool Slack is designed to give companies an indexable all-in-one location for work communications. Simple by design but robust in function, Slack streamlines communications for teams that might rely on e-mail communications. A company might have dozens of Slack channels, each assigned to a different project. Slack integrates readily with project management software tools, and has a free tier with no user limit. Paid tiers offer additional features useful for a growing business. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://slackhq.com/
Power BI
Enterprise-level managers that user Microsoft Excel for reporting business intelligence can level up their game by implementing Power BI—especially when working with larger datasets. Power BI is designed to facilitate dashboards and data visualizations, and is highly useful for creating at-a-glance understanding of KPIs and other performance metrics. In addition to intuitive UX features for building out reports, Power BI offers faster processing speeds when table, graph and filtering features are in use, plus added flexibility for exporting and sharing the reports you create. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Anyone working in management will need to be familiar with at least one enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. There are many such systems on the market marketed towards growing enterprises—Oracle NetSuite, SAP Business One, Kronos to name a few—and Microsoft Dynamics is a highly popular choice, boasting 200,000 users across all verticals, including retail, service providers, manufacturing, finance, and the public sector. Like with much of the enterprise software offered by Microsoft, you can find
training programs that lead up to certification in the field where you work. Demonstrating proficiency in Dynamics 365 opens doors for advancement across virtually all sectors of business. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/why-dynamics365/
PandaDoc
Sales managers will find many useful features in PandaDoc, a document management platform designed for materials related to pitching and finalizing sales. Companies have at hand a plethora of useful features for creating proposals and contracts, processing quotes and invoices, and capturing eSignatures. When implemented, PandaDoc is able to personalize templates for sales materials on a customer-to-customer basis, which helps sales teams close more business in less time, and simplifies the record keeping for management. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://www.pandadoc.com/customers-case-study/digital-brew/
15Five
Employees value constructive criticism, and that’s what 15Five is designed to deliver for management. It’s a cloud-hosted tool that employees use to share check-in critiques with managers, usually soliciting responses to questions or fill-in-the-blanks written by management. Middle managers are able to review and follow-up with responses before collating the data for higher-ups. Scores and responses are readily visualized so managers can spot trends at a glance. 15Five put nearly $31 million in its funding coffers last year, so expect further refinement as the year progresses. For details about pricing and features, visit:
https://www.15five.com/
ClickMeeting
A handy tool for both internal and market-facing purposes, ClickMeeting is designed for video conferencing and webinars. According to industry analysts, the web conferencing market is poised for breakout growth in the next five years, and ClickMeeting is building authority with a simple interface, ready integration into leading CRM, CMS and business systems developed in-house. For details about pricing and features, visit
https://clickmeeting.com/webinar-platform
Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual, Jocko Willink
Retired Navy Seal Jocko Willink injects the discipline and mental toughness he learned in the elite corps of the U.S. armed forces into his approach for self-mastery. He is the author of well-received management texts
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win (2015) and
Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual (2017). Latest offering explores how to extend his approach as a manager and leader.
https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Strategy-Tactics-Field-Manual-ebook/dp/B07TDY1T6H
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results, James Clear
It is easy for managers to become overwhelmed by details and minutia involved in what their job requires. Author James Clear offers decision makers of all stripes a guidebook for building habits and routines that accentuate their innate talents, with the goal of focusing on less and accomplishing more.
https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, Dr. Brene Brown
A research professor in social work, Dr. Brown challenges managers and business leaders to change organizational culture with straightforward, actionable tools designed to make an impact. She emphasizes overcoming anxieties and fears related to shaking things up in the workplace.
https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts-ebook/dp/B07CWGFPS7/
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
One of the best ways for a project manager to advance in his or her career is to gain a PMP Certification. According a Project Management Institute
survey, 82% percent of PMP certified project managers report higher median salaries than those without a certification. 70% reported that their salary increased within 12 months of receiving the certification. More details:
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-management-pmp
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
For project managers that do not meet the hours requirement for PMP Certification, the Certified Associate offers a stepping stone. With a CAPM certification, individuals demonstrate that they have a grasp of the fundamentals related to effective project management. Additionally, it’s a great way to prep for the PMP certification. More details:
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/certified-associate-capm
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Agile Project Management Certification
Rising in popularity in product development and software, ScrumMaster Certification demonstrates an ability to run and perform in Agile work environments. The dominant narrative around Agile development holds that while many companies implement its methods, significantly fewer realize its benefits. That indicates a demand for qualified ScrumMasters. There are three levels of Professional Scrum Master Certifications. More details:
https://www.scrum.org/professional-scrum-certifications/professional-scrum-master-assessmentsLearn more: What is the Best Project Management Approach?
Top-Paying Tech Certifications
While not necessarily related to management, it’s important for managers to keep tabs on certifications that are currently in demand in technology fields. Chances are you may have a need for talent in these areas in the coming year if you do not already. Currently, there is a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, solutions architects, and in digital project management, namely Scrum and Six Sigma. Find out more in
7 Certifications That Pay Well in 2019.
Keep up with job requirements and demand for qualified tech professionals in our 2020 Salary Guide.
