5 Productivity Hacks for Product Managers

We all know that Product managers have a lot of responsibilities, from understanding customer needs to launching new products. In order to be successful, they need to be productive and efficient. Productivity allows product managers to focus on the most important tasks, deliver results on time, and make a positive impact on the company.

Here are some of the benefits of productivity for product managers:

• Increased output:?When product managers are productive, they are able to produce more work in less time. This can lead to increased profits for the company.
• Improved decision-making:?Productive PMs have more time to think critically and make informed decisions. This can lead to better products and services for customers.
• Reduced stress:?They are less likely to feel overwhelmed or stressed. This can lead to a healthier and happier work-life balance.

These benefits are well known however, according to some Reddit forums, people waste from 1.5 to 4 hours every day, which means a 40-hour workweek may shrink to only 20 hours of productive work time. The goal of the article is to provide product managers with some practical tips for boosting their productivity.

1. Have a system for capturing and organizing information.?

Having a system for capturing and organizing information is essential for product managers. This will help you to stay on top of your work and avoid feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of different systems that you can use, but some popular options include:

To-do lists: To-do lists are a great way to keep track of your tasks and priorities.

Note-taking apps: Note-taking apps allow you to capture and organize information in a variety of formats, including text, images, and audio.

Project management tools: Project management tools can help you to track the progress of your projects and collaborate with others.

The best system for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences and your company's approved list of tools. However, any system that you choose should be easy to use and scalable as your work grows. Remember to be consistent, flexible, and collaborative throughout the process.

"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else." -?Peter Drucker

2. Prioritize and maintain a not-to-do list.?

Ruthless prioritization should be the prime objective of product managers, continuously prioritize and ask yourself to determine the 4 categories (Do, Delegate, Defer, Delete)

• If a task deserves your immediate attention and If less than 2 minutes, Do it right away
• Can someone else in your team do it equally well or better? If yes Delegate it
• Is it a priority for consumers or stakeholders? If not, Defer it
• Is it just work for the sake of work? If yes, Delete it (also think about automation for mundane and routine tasks)

A not-to-do list is just as important as a to-do list. It helps you to focus on the most important tasks and avoid getting sidetracked by things that are not urgent or important.

To create a not-to-do list, start by brainstorming all of the tasks that you could potentially do. Then, assess each task and decide whether it is truly urgent or important. If it is not, add it to your not-to-do list.

You can also use your not-to-do list to track tasks that you have already decided not to do. This can help you to avoid feeling guilty or stressed about tasks that you have chosen not to prioritize. Remember to review your list regularly, and be specific and realistic.

3. Manage your energy vs. time.?

Time is a finite resource, but energy is renewable. This means that it is more important to manage your energy than your time. When you focus on tasks that align with your energy levels, you will be more productive and less likely to burn out.

Here are a few tips for managing your energy:

Identify your energy levels throughout the day. Are you more productive in the morning or the afternoon? Do you have more energy after a break or before?

Schedule your tasks according to your energy levels. If you have a lot of mental energy in the morning, schedule your most challenging tasks for then. If you have more physical energy in the afternoon, schedule tasks that require movement or activity.

Listen to your body. If you're feeling tired or stressed, take a break. Don't try to push yourself too hard, or you'll just end up burning out.

By managing your energy, you can be more productive and less likely to burn out. This will help you to be more effective in your work and achieve your goals.

4. Take breaks and recharge.?

It is impossible to be productive all the time, so it is important to take breaks and give your mind and body a chance to rest.

When you work for long periods of time without taking a break, your productivity starts to decline. You become more easily distracted, and your focus starts to waver. Taking short breaks throughout the day can help you to stay focused and productive.

There are a number of ways to take breaks and recharge. You could get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or take a few minutes to meditate. Whatever you do, make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Your productivity will thank you for it.

Here are some specific tips for taking breaks and recharging:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and work uninterrupted.?Then, take a 5-minute break to move around, stretch, or step outside.
• Take a longer break every hour or two.?This could be 10-15 minutes, or even longer if you need it.
• Avoid checking email or social media during your breaks.?This will help you to stay focused and recharge.
• Find activities that help you to relax and de-stress.?This could be reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.

?5. Use productivity tools and apps.?

There are a number of productivity tools and apps available that can help product managers to be more efficient. Some of the most popular categories of productivity tools include:

Task management: These tools help you to track your tasks and stay organized. Some popular task management tools include Todoist, Asana, and Trello.

Project management: These tools help you to plan and track your projects. Some popular project management tools include Jira, Asana, and Monday.com.

Communication: These tools help you to communicate with your team and stakeholders. Some popular communication tools include Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Note-taking: These tools help you to capture your ideas and thoughts. Some popular note-taking tools include Evernote, OneNote, and Notion.

Time tracking: These tools help you to track how you spend your time. Some popular time-tracking tools include RescueTime, Toggl, and Time Doctor.

When choosing productivity tools, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include the features offered, the price (free tiers), and the user interface.

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." -?Paul J. Meyer

Conclusion: Product managers have a lot of responsibilities and need to be productive in order to be successful. This article provides some practical tips for boosting productivity, including having a system for capturing and organizing information, prioritizing tasks, managing energy, taking breaks, and using productivity tools.

What do you think of these productivity tips?

Do you already practice any of these habits in your daily life? Do you have other ones that you would like to share with us? Share more in the comments.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in my responses and content are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer or any organization I am affiliated with. My responses are based on my own knowledge, experience, and research and are intended for informational purposes only. Any action taken based on my responses is at the reader's discretion.