Jun 6th, 2023
·4 min read
Every person in a managerial role understands the demand for seamless multitasking and how crucial it is to keep track of myriad responsibilities. As a people manager, you're required to have your finger on the pulse of the team, ensuring projects are progressing, the team is motivated, and that you're staying on top of the latest industry news and company policies. In the midst of the digital era, I've found a simple, tangible tool to be an unexpected ally in my managerial tasks: sticky notes.
Despite the growing popularity of digital task management tools, there's something satisfyingly tactile and visually grounding about using sticky notes. They enable an accessible, visual representation of your responsibilities and ideas, playing a fundamental role in facilitating effective people management. Here's how:
Feedback is the cornerstone of improvement. As a manager, it's essential to provide timely and constructive feedback to your team members. However, remembering specific instances in the whirlwind of a workweek can be challenging. Here's where sticky notes come to the rescue.
Throughout the week, jot down moments that call for feedback on individual notes. These could be both areas of improvement or kudos for a job well done. At the end of the week, transfer these notes into your one-on-one meeting agendas. This ensures you never forget to provide the feedback that helps your team grow, and your team feels seen and appreciated.
Sticky notes are fantastic little motivators. Whenever you stumble upon an inspiring quote or a team success story, jot it down on a sticky note. Placing these notes where you, and possibly your team, can see them serves as a constant reminder of the potential within your team and the achievements they've made. This visual motivation can significantly boost morale and foster a more positive work environment.
Sticky notes are a great visual tool for tracking project timelines and deadlines. Each Monday, create or update a sticky note board with upcoming milestones or deadlines for the week. This simple method will help you and your team stay on track, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
One overlooked but vital aspect of team management is understanding your team's capacity. To keep a finger on the pulse, maintain a sticky note for each team member noting their leave days or out-of-office time. Update these notes at the start of each week to ensure you're always aware of the team's availability.
Innovation springs from the most unexpected places and times. Have a dedicated space for sticky notes to capture any innovative ideas or potential improvements that crop up. These notes then become a starting point for your next brainstorming session, ensuring no good idea is lost in the daily shuffle.
A simple sticky note can go a long way in keeping track of your team members' accomplishments. By noting each achievement, you create a quick and easy reminder system to recognise and reward hard work regularly. This practice can significantly boost team morale and encourage a high-performance culture.
Continuous learning is a pillar of professional growth. Keep a sticky note with a list of articles, research papers, or books that you intend to read. This can serve as a reminder and make your downtime more productive.
With constant changes in company policies and updates, it's crucial to stay informed. Keep important updates on a sticky note to ensure you remember them and communicate them to your team. This practice can prevent confusion and foster transparency within your team.
Sticky notes can transform the way you manage your team by offering a visual, intuitive, and accessible system to streamline your responsibilities. But the key to maximizing their potential lies in how you use them. Here are a few tips for effective sticky note management:
Stay Organized: Have a system in place. For example, you might use different colors for different types of tasks or different team members.
Placement Matters: Keep your sticky notes where you can see them regularly. Out of sight often means out of mind.
Regular Review: Review and update your sticky notes daily or weekly. This ensures you're keeping on top of changes and staying proactive rather than reactive.
Keep It Simple: Sticky notes are most effective when they're used for short, clear notes. Long, complex ideas might be better suited for a different format.
The simple act of putting pen to sticky note is a powerful practice that encourages reflection, promotes clarity, and fosters proactive leadership. So whether you're keeping track of team availability, tracking project milestones, or providing regular feedback, sticky notes are a surprisingly potent tool in the arsenal of effective people management.
While the power of physical sticky notes is undeniable, we understand that the digital world calls for digital solutions. With Cheerlead, you can enjoy the simplicity and efficiency of sticky notes, right inside the tool you're already using for team management.
In the fast-paced digital world of work, don't underestimate the power of a sticky note. It's time to peel, stick, and lead!
Kevin is an experienced people manager with a track record of success at startups and Fortune 500 companies. He is dedicated to creating positive workplace cultures and fostering continuous learning and growth.