Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity conversation!  http://goo.gl/l4aNi9  | Today’s Topic: Keeping Your Team Productive.

Out of the blue I said “Oh darn…I missed #ProdChat!” Then I remembered today is Tuesday, #ProdChat is on Wed @ 8PM EST!

So, let’s start with introductions! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchat

While we aren’t all managers by title, we all manage people. Let’s discuss how to keep #productivity up in teams on #prodchat!

Hi, all! Michelle here. Productivity geek. Org geek. GTD’er, and co-host of the GTD Virtual Study Group. Psyched for #ProdChat !!

Q1: WHAT’S ONE AREA OF IMPROVEMENT YOU’D LIKE FOR YOUR TEAM’S PRODUCTIVITY? #prodchat

Expect higher traffic than usual from me for the next hour for #ProdChat! C’mon over and join us! :)

Hey Ray!! #ProdChat

Awesome and you? RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Hey, Michelle! How’re you doing tonight? #ProdChat

@michgunn It’s quiet on the stream tonight…the Snowmaggedonapocalypse has scared even #ProdChat-ers!? LOL

Hi all! I won’t be able to partake tonight…had some family stuff come up. I just wanted to say hello to all my #ProdChat friends. Enjoy!

A1 Right now I am teamless… but I’d say communication and handoff… #ProdChat

@michgunn I’m doing fantastic, thanks! :) #prodchat

A1: Delegation. Delegation. Oh, did I say delegation? Lol. #prodchat

Hi! Catch ya next time. :) MT @DanielHayes: Hi all! I won’t be able to tonight…I just wanted to say hello to my #ProdChat friends. Enjoy!

@DanielHayes Thanks for stopping in to say hello! I hope all is well with you and yours (re: family stuff). #prodchat

A1. Permission to fail is important in allowing for progress and preventing #burnout.  http://wp.me/p46FzI-1d  #prodchat

I thought it was tomorrow night. D’oh!! MT @rsidneysmith: It’s quiet tonight…the Snowmaggedonapocalypse has scared even #ProdChat-ers!? LOL

@michgunn @DanielHayes is #prodchat ongoing?

@bojandordevic @michgunn @DanielHayes Yessir, Bojan! #prodchat is live! :)

+1 RT @MultiplyingGood: Permission to fail is important in allowing for progress and preventing #burnout.  http://wp.me/p46FzI-1d  #prodchat

@MultiplyingGood Welcome to the #prodchat, Mark!

Yes, but reporting back is important. Close the loop. RT @rsidneysmith: A1: Delegation. Delegation. Oh, did I say delegation? Lol. #prodchat

Q2: WHAT ARE THE CORE TENETS OF GOOD TEAM MANAGEMENT? #prodchat

@michgunn I think it is here in NYC, but it’s already started elsewhere in the country. #prodchat

Yup! We’re on! :) RT @bojandordevic: @michgunn @DanielHayes is #prodchat ongoing?

@michgunn Yes, of course! ;-) The question was where I needed to improve. ;-P #prodchat

A2 I think good team management requires transparency, clear plans, and awesome communication #ProdChat

A2 I think good team management requires transparency, clear plans, and awesome communication #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith good communication skills #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith good communication skills #ProdChat

Ha! Sorry. :/ RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Yes, of course! ;-) The question was where I needed to improve. ;-P #prodchat

Yup!! RT @bojandordevic: @rsidneysmith good communication skills #ProdChat

@bojandordevic Can you elaborate on what “good communication” in a team environment means? :) #prodchat

@michgunn HA! No worries. I’m sorry I’m not better at delegating too! ;-P #prodchat

.@rsidneysmith organizational skills. Hate seeing people being stuck for not knowing where things are and not knowing their pws #prodchat

@michgunn I guess the same question I asked @bojandordevic…what’s good communication? #prodchat

@rsidneysmith @bojandordevic I’d say passing the baton! After all, a task completed and not reported is as good as not done. #ProdChat

A2. Trust, shared values and innovation help a melting pot of ideas come to life. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith @bojandordevic Gotta keep the train running… #ProdChat

.@rsidneysmith having everyone on the same page, understanding the Why behind actions, having clarity about tasks and outcomes #ProdChat

A1 Delegation! A2 Setting clear goals and metrics (Hi everybody!) #prodchat

Hey #prodchat! I’m joining a bit late and won’t be participating much.. but here I am

@bojandordevic YES!!! Because without it, no one can make their own decisions along the way to keep the forward momentum #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 Hey, John! Good to have you on the #prodchat! Is it snowing yet down by you?

@IsaPinaud Glad you could make it, Isa! #prodchat

Hey, Isabel! :) RT @IsaPinaud: Hey #prodchat! I’m joining a bit late and won’t be participating much.. but here I am

I am a 19 yr old design student who loves GTD and uses both OF and Evernote #prodchat

Hey John! :) RT @jrnolan12: A1 Delegation! A2 Setting clear goals and metrics (Hi everybody!) #prodchat

A1 Communication is the most important thing #prodchat

Agreed! “@MultiplyingGood: A2. Trust, shared values and innovation help a melting pot of ideas come to life. #prodchat“

A2 Clear objectives and intentions #prodchat

A2: Clear goals. Equal bidirectional communication. Recognition/praise in public; constructive criticism in private. #prodchat

@michgunn Hey Michelle! How are you? #prodchat

@rsidneysmith That makes two of us!! :) #prodchat

@IsaPinaud As I asked @michgunn & @bojandordevic how do you define good communication? #prodchat

@IsaPinaud I’m sure there are many more #prodchat listeners and those active right now equally glad us we two! ;-)

@IsaPinaud I’m sure there are many more #prodchat listeners and those active right now equally glad us we two! ;-)

Hi folks, name is Bojan. 27 yo web analyst and paid search manager. Writer and Editor of @alphaefficiency #productivity magazine #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 Oh my! Be safe and stay warm! #prodchat

Welcome Bojan!! @bojandordevic @alphaefficiency #ProdChat

Sorry jumped away to grab a drink. I’m back #ProdChat

Q3: HOW DOES A MANAGER FIND TIME TO EMPOWER TEAM PRODUCTIVITY? HOW DO YOU “WALK A MILE” IN YOUR EMPLOYEE’S SHOES? #prodchat

A3 Very different questions… hmmm #ProdChat

A3 Well, when I started working at a new firm as a Project Manager, I went on jobs with everyone and learned about their jobs. #ProdChat

@michgunn Yes, they cover the two major calamities managers and reports state: “I can’t find time”&”My manager doesn’t understand”#prodchat

A3 I wanted to get to know what they did as well as what were pain points and what was easy to deal with #ProdChat

A3 That really helped me better support them in my role as project manager. Some stuff I could move off their plates or pre-handle #ProdChat

A3a: For me, I feel like I need to calendar the time, and I also have a set of trigger questions during my Weekly Review… #prodchat

A3b: Since I have really done every one of my employees’ jobs, I feel pretty confident in knowing their plights! Lol. #prodchat

Ah! RT : Yes, they cover the two major calamities managers and reports state: “I can’t find time”&”My manager doesn’t understand”#prodchat

A3c: I feel like it’s might work to step into their shoes, perhaps instead of someone else, during their vacation or sick days? #prodchat

A3 as far as team productivity, I found tools that would help us communicate and manage tasks in a transparent way. Yay #Basecamp! #ProdChat

@michgunn It’s so tough to fit such mouthfuls in only one tweet questions! :-P #prodchat

@rsidneysmith The team must have a clear objective then e/person should state their what they will be doing to help reach it #prodchat

A3 Taking time to explain decisions goes a long way. If team “buys in” they will go the extra mile. #prodchat

@michgunn (Next question!) ;-P #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Any problems should be talked through and solved to avoid major issues #communication #prodchat

@jrnolan12 That’s definitely true, John! Transparency where possible is so helpful to the team moral. #prodchat

true RT @jrnolan12: A3 Taking time to explain decisions goes a long way. If team “buys in” they will go the extra mile. #prodchat

;) RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn It’s so tough to fit such mouthfuls in only one tweet questions! :-P #prodchat

@jrnolan12 Have you been in a situation where you couldn’t explain the “why” and you were still able to help your team? #prodchat

Good evening friends! Sorry for being very, very late. I’m Jason and I’m the manager of a small team of engineers. #prodchat

A3b Also help employees step into your shoes. Prevent “satellite boss” perception. #prodchat

A3 I also think team meetings (don’t everyone growl) help everyone understand the flow of a project & raise concerns productively #ProdChat

Hey, Jason! MT @lewisjasona: Good evening friends! I’m Jason and I’m the manager of a small team of engineers. #prodchat

Yup!! RT @jrnolan12: A3b Also help employees step into your shoes. Prevent “satellite boss” perception. #prodchat

@jrnolan12 I’ve definitely (in arbitrating situations) had to, without breaking confidentiality, communicate more broadly. #prodchat

Q4: HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR PROJECTS AND TASKS WITH YOUR TEAM? #prodchat

Q4: HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR PROJECTS AND TASKS WITH YOUR TEAM? #prodchat

@lewisjasona Great to have you here, Jason! #prodchat

#Basecamp by @37signals rocks!! :) #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Great to be here… and just in time for a great question! #prodchat

@jrnolan12 So true. Sometimes staff thinks it’s all sharpening pencils and taking naps for managers. HA! If only! #prodchat

If you’re interested in reading w/ ProductivityBookGroup .org, we’re reading “What Makes Your Brain Happy…” currently. Join us! #prodchat

A4 I also love Gantt charts, although others don’t quite get them. I love #FastTrackSchedule and #OmniPlan. #ProdChat

@michgunn I have to agree, Michelle! Poorly run meetings are what people gripe over…my meetings are well-run and great! #prodchat

@michgunn @37signals should be paying you a commission by now! ;) #prodchat

@rsidneysmith :) I won’t boast the same… but I do try. ;) #ProdChat

Is there a “corporate approved” version? RT @michgunn #Basecamp by @37signals rocks!! :) #ProdChat #prodchat

@michgunn That’s so strange since Gantt charts seem to me so helpful! #prodchat

Ha! RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn @37signals should be paying you a commission by now! ;) #prodchat

A4: I’m loving using @asana right now with all of my teams! #prodchat

A4: I’m loving using @asana right now with all of my teams! #prodchat

A4: I’m loving using @asana right now with all of my teams! #prodchat

A4. In a spirit of collaboration, every project participant- even non-managers- must have ability to Do, Ditch or Delegate a task. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith
Yes, but they are too technical for some. Some people don’t respond to the timeline-ness of it. #ProdChat

@michgunn The complexity of the Gantt chart visually is dependent on that of the project associated, I hope! LOL #prodchat

@MultiplyingGood I can’t fully agree with that. Sometimes stuff just needs to get done. Ditch is not always an option. #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Nope. I’ve seen people glaze over at a 10-line Gantt chart. It is just info overload or something for some people. #ProdChat

@MultiplyingGood But maybe delegate to someone else as long as the project goals still get met? #ProdChat

A4: Others love @trello @wrike and @WorkFlowy … Oh, and @springpad! #prodchat

A4: Others love @trello @wrike and @WorkFlowy … Oh, and @springpad! #prodchat

@michgunn I’m going to understand that as “just needs more education.” #consciousdenial ;) #prodchat

I dig Wrike! Really want to try Trello too!
RT @rsidneysmith: A4: Others love @trello @wrike and @WorkFlowy … Oh, and @springpad! #prodchat

OK. ;) RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn I’m going to understand that as “just needs more education.” #consciousdenial ;) #prodchat

So many tools to check out! Overload! #prodchat

Oh, and @apinaud @MSliwinski wouldn’t mind if I mentioned the amazing @nozbe! I’ve dabbled and it rocks! #prodchat

What do you mean? RT @lewisjasona: Is there a “corporate approved” version? RT @michgunn #Basecamp by @37signals rocks!! :) #ProdChat

Q5: HOW DO YOU AVOID MICROMANAGING YOUR TEAM AND THEIR PRODUCTIVITY? #prodchat

@lewisjasona Oh, don’t even get me started, Jason! I have a master task/project management tool matrix. 100s of tools listed! #prodchat

Q5: HOW DO YOU AVOID MICROMANAGING YOUR TEAM AND THEIR PRODUCTIVITY? #prodchat

Ha! Yes!! RT @lewisjasona: So many tools to check out! Overload! #prodchat

Ditto! RT @rsidneysmith: Oh, and @apinaud @MSliwinski wouldn’t mind if I mentioned the amazing @nozbe! I’ve dabbled and it rocks! #prodchat

A4: Has anyone tried yet @flowapp or @TheBrainTech as project management apps? I’m testing the The Brain now…mind maps away! #prodchat

A4: Has anyone tried yet @flowapp or @TheBrainTech as project management apps? I’m testing the The Brain now…mind maps away! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Is this list for sale? ha ha! #prodchat

A5 Tricky! I learned to just grab to the headlines and let everyone manage the details themselves with deadlines to work to. #ProdChat

@lewisjasona HAHA! At some point, perhaps! Right now, I’m still working on reviewing each of the tools to see which are worthy! #prodchat

@lewisjasona It’s literally taking 100s of hours just implementing and testing them on real projects! #prodchat

It isnt? THAT’s where I’m going awry! Hehe “Sometimes staff thinks it’s all sharpening pencils and taking naps for managers. #prodchat“

It isnt? THAT’s where I’m going awry! Hehe “Sometimes staff thinks it’s all sharpening pencils and taking naps for managers. #prodchat“

A5: I try to just get exceptions to the plan during one-on-ones, but it’s hard on me. I like to know all of the details. #prodchat

A5a: I’m a laissez-faire manager. My presumption: you’re a professional so I shouldn’t have to micromanage. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Check out Simon Kolderie’s TheBrain GTD system…  http://redlionden.com/my-gtd-brain/ 
also  http://redlionden.com/screencasts/ 
DUDE!!! #ProdChat

@michgunn Does Basecamp have any provisions for projects that my company wouldn’t let me post on the internet. #prodchat

A5b: I think if you feel you are micromanaging, identify: 1) Could they have done it by themselves? 2) Did they lose autonomy? #prodchat

A5 I think teams need freedom to work the way it works for them… if you try to mange them too much you will not get good results #prodchat

@michgunn Oh, yes! I’ve seen this! Amazing, eh?! :)) #prodchat

A5 Avoid this by setting smaller goals with certain due dates…but letting team members complete them as they see fit #prodchat

@lewisjasona: Not sure. They have file posting, message posting, calendar, task lists, etc… check it out. There’s a free trial. #ProdChat

@lewisjasona Can you put it out there to staff that you want more updates (or somehow automate it)? #prodchat

A5 Very difficult. No employee could care about my biz as much as I do (nor should). Constant self-reminders to avoid micromging. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Yes! Not exactly project management. But I couldn’t figure how to use the tool until I saw that. It’s awesome! #ProdChat

You sure you’re 19?? MT @IsaPinaud: A5 Set smaller goals with due dates…but let team members complete them as they see fit #prodchat

@michgunn Well, not proj. mgmt. in the traditional sense, but I= #prodchat

@michgunn Not traditional proj. mgmt, but I am seeing whole companies run inside @TheBrainTech. Amazing. #prodchat

@MultiplyingGood Yes, checks and balances for sure. But if a team member ditches a task that needed to get done… proj jeopardy ;/ #ProdChat

Wise beyond your years. MT @IsaPinaud A5 Avoid this by setting smaller goals with due dates #prodchat

Wise beyond your years. MT @IsaPinaud A5 Avoid this by setting smaller goals with due dates #prodchat

Right! ;)
RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Well, not proj. mgmt. in the traditional sense, but I= #prodchat

Q6: SO, WHERE DO YOU START WITH DETERMINING THE NEEDS OF YOUR TEAM’S PRODUCTIVITY? #prodchat

Q6: SO, WHERE DO YOU START WITH DETERMINING THE NEEDS OF YOUR TEAM’S PRODUCTIVITY? #prodchat

Really! Wish I had been RT @lewisjasona: Wise beyond your years. @IsaPinaud A5 Avoid this by setting smaller goals with due dates #prodchat

Really! Wish I had been RT @lewisjasona: Wise beyond your years. @IsaPinaud A5 Avoid this by setting smaller goals with due dates #prodchat

@michgunn Hey! Being wise within your years is still pretty amazing! :) #prodchat

A6 Observation on projects. See what could use a little more support? #ProdChat

A6 Observation on projects. See what could use a little more support? #ProdChat

A6 By asking your own team members! No one knows the issues better #prodchat

A6 By asking your own team members! No one knows the issues better #prodchat

touché! ;) RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Hey! Being wise within your years is still pretty amazing! :) #prodchat

Seriously! You must be 40! ;) RT @IsaPinaud: A6 By asking your own team members! No one knows the issues better #prodchat

Seriously! You must be 40! ;) RT @IsaPinaud: A6 By asking your own team members! No one knows the issues better #prodchat

@michgunn @lewisjasona Thank you guys :) #prodchat

A6: Fully agree w/ @IsaPinaud. Ask your team! Ask your stakeholders (clients, vendors, etc.)! What’s working? What could be better?#prodchat

A6: Fully agree w/ @IsaPinaud. Ask your team! Ask your stakeholders (clients, vendors, etc.)! What’s working? What could be better?#prodchat

A6 @IsaPinaud is right… The team knows best what they need in terms of support. Great place to start. Then look at bigger picture. #ProdChat

A6 @IsaPinaud is right… The team knows best what they need in terms of support. Great place to start. Then look at bigger picture. #ProdChat

A6: I tend to observe that my strain as manager is an equal and opposite response to strain of team. #prodchat

A6 I try to check in often to see what people are feeling are pain points that they might realize could be alleviated some way. #ProdChat

@michgunn haha! Seriously THANK YOU :) #prodchat

Oh, and I try to help my team prioritize tasks on different projects based on bigger picture timelining that they might not know. #ProdChat

A6: Ask a mentor. Check out management podcasts! Library? So many resources! #prodchat

@IsaPinaud You know I mean it in a good way! :) #ProdChat

@michgunn Yes, it’s definitely a struggle sometimes when a manager gives high priority to two projects’ tasks! #ProdChat

A6 If employees retain the will to live, I haven’t squeezed enough productivity from them! Hehe #prodchat

@michgunn It’s always good to have the manager offer prioritizing (if they want it…cuz then it’s micromanaging again!) #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Yes, or different PMs with competing projects… really depends on the company structure. Good to have a Proj Director #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 HA! #prodchat

Great point. “@rsidneysmith: A6: I tend to observe that my strain as manager is an equal and opposite response to strain of team. #prodchat“

Check out these resources after #prodchat:  http://rsidneysmith.com/productivity/prodchat/keeping-your-team-productive/ …

HA! and ;( RT @jrnolan12: A6 If employees retain the will to live, I haven’t squeezed enough productivity from them! Hehe #prodchat

@michgunn Yes, if the co. is that large, they need more than just PMs. #prodchat

Yes! RT @rsidneysmith:It’s always good to have the manager offer prioritizing (if they want it…cuz then it’s micromanaging again!) #prodchat

Thanks #productivity enthusiasts for today’s #ProdChat! Join us again next week! Check out the transcript tomorrow!

Wow That was fast!!! #ProdChat

I just looked up and it’s 9pm! #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 Yes. If I can identify the opposing force that I can resolve for team members, my strain dissipates! #prodchat

Happy week everyone!! Thanks for the #ProdChat!!!

Next week on #ProdChat we have @nmhouston guest-hosting; topic: Using Social Media Productively!

Next week on #ProdChat we have @nmhouston guest-hosting; topic: Using Social Media Productively!

It’s like having a team of consultants at my fingertips! Thanks everyone! #prodchat

Stay warm/dry, everyone. Thanks @rsidneysmith for a great chat. #prodchat

Love that!! :) RT @lewisjasona: It’s like having a team of consultants at my fingertips! Thanks everyone! #prodchat

Exciting!!! RT @rsidneysmith: Next week on #ProdChat we have @nmhouston guest-hosting; topic: Using Social Media Productively!