Tools and Techniques Used by Project Managers for Daily Tasks

The tools in Project management discussed below are the leading platforms available in the market that provide these features as well as some unique to only themselves. Most of them have in-built Solutions i.e. pre-made templates for different work fields (Engineering, IT, Sales, DevOps, etc.) and different branches of companies (Media, Tech, Hunan Resources, Marketing, Designs, etc.)

1. monday.com

monday.com is a Work OS (Operating System) to manage all your team’s work in one place. No more endless e-mail threads or long meetings! It is highly customizable to each team’s needs regardless of the industry or size of the enterprise. This is why it is used by 180,000+ customers, including Coca-Cola, Hulu, and Lionsgate. Easily track everything your team’s working on, communicate in context and get started in minutes with a super easy set-up.

Key Features:

  • Automation to save time on mundane tasks and work smarter
  • Integrations with all your different work tools, such as Gmail, Slack, or Hubspot
  • 200+ workflow templates for the different needs of a company.
  • Secure platform to ensure data privacy.

2. Trello

Trello is a web-based, kanban-style, list-making application, built to boost productivity and keep track of important tasks in one place. It is developed by Trello Enterprise, a subsidiary of Atlassian. It is used by over 2,000,000 teams worldwide including teams at Zoom, Visa, Coinbase, Grand Hyatt, etc.

Key Features:

  • Allows automation via Butler automation – task and workflow automation
  • Varying views (Board, Timeline, Table, Calendar, Dashboard, Map, and Workspace views)
  • Power-ups i.e. plug-ins like Jira, Slack, Google Drive, InVision, etc for varying functionalities and cross-platform actions.
  • Integrations with 191 platforms like Miro, Jira cloud, Toggl, etc. to bring all your work to one platform

3. Asana

Asana holds a plethora of features for any possible necessity of a team. This project management tool allows teams to access data across members and also note who is doing what, and by when. It is used by famed companies like Deloitte, NASA, Spotify, and The New York Times.

Key Features:

  • 21 task management features including kanban boards and time tracking
  • App integrations on endless platforms like Tableau, Microsoft Teams, Github, etc.
  • Asana apps and API for building apps integrated with Asana.
  • Mobile apps are available on Android and iOS.
  • Various views and reporting mechanisms
  • Multiple communication methods – projects, teams, etc.

4. Jira

Jira is a very popular tool due to its extensive features. Jira plug-in is available in several other product management tools as well. It is powered by Atlassian and has positive testimonials from leading companies like Flo Health, Canva, and Rent The Runway (RTR). It has over 100,000 users including Spotify, Cisco, eBay, and Dropbox.

Key Features:

  • Cloud-based as well as on-premise deployment.
  • Chatbot ‘Angie’ to assist in perusing the interface.

5. Wrike

Wrike is an easy-to-learn tool, that can be understood in as little as 3 minutes. It is a versatile and robust project management tool, designed to address modern challenges; that is used by over 20,000+ organizations worldwide including P&G, Pfizer, Siemens, and Sega

Key Features:

  • Customizable, scalable, easy-to-use
  • Allows Native proofing for direct feedback to assets
  • Supports 400+ popular apps and custom integrations
  • Holds a flexible and thorough user interface.
  • Contains an automation engine to reduce manual work.
  • It has Mobile (iOS and Android) and desktop (Windows and Mac) apps accompanied by integrations and an OPEN Rest API

6. Zoho Projects

A feature of Zoho that is heavily built-in with features to support the needs of a software building team, specifically. It allows one to break a project into Milestones divided into tasks and sub-tasks to gain an effortless method of reaching the set goals. It also holds a finance module to make sure the team stays on the assigned budget. It is used by Dell, Airbus, Vodafone, Sodexo, etc.

Key Features:

  • CRM – Customer Relationship Management platform.
  • BugTracker – To find and fix bugs and ship great software.
  • Recruit – An applicant tracking software.
  • Sprints – A planning and tracking tool for swift product deployment

7. Microsoft Project

Powered by Microsoft, Projects is integrated with all Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) as well as the pre-existing functionalities of most project management tools. It is also conclusive of the new Microsoft AI Copilot built on ChatGPT 4 to allow automation in every field necessary, for example: analyzing your data and generating insights in a fraction of a second or drafting your emails.

Key Features:

  • Power BI: Build interactive dashboards using business intelligence.
  • Azure: Build innovative projects/applications on Azure.

8. Slack

This tool was primarily designed as an instant messaging program for project teams and was integrated with Workflow Builder and other integrations later. The latest integration being built in is Slack AI focused on providing users the comfort of being ready for the future of work. It is used by Uber, Atlassian, BBC, TIME, Twitter, IBM, etc.

Key Features:

  • Communication spaces: Huddles, Clips, Canvas, etc.
  • Slack Enterprise Key Management: to ensure the security of data.
  • Available on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, Windows Phone, and iOS.

A Day in the Life of a Project Manager

A day in the life of a project manager involves juggling various tasks to ensure projects stay on track. They start by reviewing schedules and checking emails for updates. They then coordinate with their team, discussing progress and assigning new tasks. Throughout the day, they oversee project plans, making sure everything aligns with timelines and budgets. Communication is key, as they engage with clients, team members, and stakeholders, keeping everyone informed. They also handle documentation, reporting progress, and addressing any issues that arise. Quality assurance is essential, ensuring deliverables meet standards. At day’s end, they wrap up tasks, plan for the next day, and reflect on lessons learned. Effective time management and prioritization help them manage the workload and contribute to project success.

A Day in the Life of a Project Manager

Table of Content

  • What does a Project Manager do?
  • Roles and Responsibilities of Project Manager
  • Typical Working Hours for Project Managers:
  • A Day in the Life of a Project Manager
  • Common Challenges of Being a Project Manager
  • Effective Tips to Plan Your Day as a Project Manager:
  • Tools and Techniques Used by Project Managers for Daily Tasks
  • In Software Company Is Being a Project Manager Stressful?
  • Examples of industries that hire project managers:
  • Conclusion: Life of a Project Manager
  • FAQs: Life of a Project Manager

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What does a Project Manager do?

A project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. They are responsible for defining project objectives, creating schedules, and allocating resources to ensure successful delivery. Project managers coordinate and communicate with team members, stakeholders, and clients to keep everyone informed and aligned throughout the project lifecycle. They monitor progress, identify risks, and implement strategies to mitigate issues that may arise. Additionally, project managers manage budgets, track expenses, and ensure projects are completed within budget constraints. They also facilitate problem-solving and decision-making processes to address challenges and obstacles. Ultimately, the role of a project manager is to drive project success by effectively managing resources, timelines, and deliverables while meeting project objectives and stakeholder expectations....

Roles and Responsibilities of Project Manager

Project Planning and Initiation: The project manager is responsible for initiating and planning projects. This involves defining project goals, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders. They develop project plans outlining tasks, timelines, resources, and budget estimates. Additionally, project managers conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments to ensure project viability and identify potential challenges. Team Leadership and Management: Project managers lead and manage project teams to ensure successful project execution. They assemble project teams with the necessary skills and expertise, assign roles and responsibilities, and foster a collaborative working environment. Project managers provide direction, guidance, and support to team members, empowering them to achieve project objectives. They also facilitate communication, resolve conflicts, and motivate team members to maximize productivity and performance. Risk Management and Problem-solving: Mitigating risks and addressing issues are crucial aspects of a project manager’s role. They identify potential risks and develop strategies to manage and mitigate them effectively. Project managers proactively monitor project progress, identify deviations from the plan, and take corrective actions as needed to keep the project on track. They also facilitate problem-solving and decision-making processes to address unexpected challenges and ensure project success. Stakeholder Communication and Management: Effective communication with stakeholders is essential for project success. Project managers serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, progress, and milestones. They manage stakeholder expectations, gather feedback, and address concerns to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives. Project managers also cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Quality Assurance and Delivery: Delivering high-quality results is a key responsibility of a project manager. They establish quality standards and ensure that project deliverables meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. Project managers implement quality assurance processes, conduct reviews, and perform inspections to identify and address deficiencies. They also monitor project performance metrics and KPIs to track progress and ensure project objectives are achieved within scope, schedule, and budget constraints....

Typical Working Hours for Project Managers

Typical Working Hours for Project Managers:...

A Day in the Life of a Project Manager

Every day, project managers tackle their work in ways that suit them best. They adapt their routines based on the project they’re handling, how fast it’s progressing, and when things need to be done. If you’re wondering what exactly project managers do, let me break it down for you...

Common Challenges of Being a Project Manager

Being a project manager comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common ones:...

A Few Tips to Survive the Day as a Project Manager

Effective Tips to Plan Your Day as a Project Manager:...

Tools and Techniques Used by Project Managers for Daily Tasks

The tools in Project management discussed below are the leading platforms available in the market that provide these features as well as some unique to only themselves. Most of them have in-built Solutions i.e. pre-made templates for different work fields (Engineering, IT, Sales, DevOps, etc.) and different branches of companies (Media, Tech, Hunan Resources, Marketing, Designs, etc.)...

In Software Company Is Being a Project Manager Stressful?

Being a project manager in a software company can be stressful due to various factors. Tight deadlines, complex technical requirements, and evolving project scopes can contribute to stress. Additionally, managing diverse teams with different skill sets and working styles adds to the pressure. Project managers often face challenges such as resource constraints, budget limitations, and unexpected issues that require quick resolution. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the software industry, with rapidly changing technologies and market demands, can intensify stress levels. However, effective communication, strong leadership, and strategic problem-solving skills can help project managers navigate stressful situations more effectively. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of successfully delivering projects and contributing to the company’s growth can outweigh the stressors associated with the role....

Examples of Industries that hire Project Managers

Project managers are in demand across various industries where projects are undertaken to achieve specific objectives. Here are three examples of industries that commonly hire project managers:...

Conclusion: Life of a Project Manager

Project management is a vital function across various industries, ensuring the successful planning, execution, and completion of projects. Project managers play a crucial role in leading teams, managing resources, and mitigating risks to achieve project objectives and deliver value to stakeholders. While the specific responsibilities and challenges may vary depending on the industry, effective project management practices are essential for driving project success. From construction and information technology to healthcare and beyond, project managers contribute to organizational growth and innovation by managing projects efficiently and effectively. By applying their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, project managers help organizations navigate complexities, overcome obstacles, and achieve desired outcomes in today’s dynamic business environment....

Frequently Asked Questions: Life of a Project Manager

What does a project manager do?...