Favorite PM Tools from 7 Top PM Gurus

Mindmaps! I love mindmaps.  I personally use MindMeister (mindmeister.com) and MindManager (MindManager.com)

Cesar Abeid, PMP
Project Management for the Masses
http://pmforthemasses.com/
http://projectmanagementforyou.com

Because I’m not a practitioner anymore, the only PM tool I really use these days is mindmaps – I really like using Mind Genius (http://www.mindgenius.com/). I use it when I’m planning any of my work like articles, columns, books, events etc.

In terms of the PM tools that a lot of PMO practitioners like (I run PMO Flashmob and PMO Conference) the old ones are still the favourites – MS Excel is still king, MS Project – the usual suspects. Unfortunately PMOs are well behind the curve when it comes to utilizing tools!

Lindsay Scott
Director at Arras People
http://www.arraspeople.co.uk/camel-blog/

I’m not sure that everyone will know this tool… but my favorite Project Management tool is a MindMap.  I use the MindMap to help me plan my projects, develop my WBS, develop my RACI charts, identify key stakeholders, define scope and to identify key project risks.  Because a MindMap is not a linear tool (like a Word, Excel, One Note or Project document) it allows me the opportunity to identify all of the above in a non-linear fashion.  As well, as a trained engineer, I tend to think in a linear fashion.  The MindMap moves me out of my ‘comfort zone’ and allows me to think outside of the box.  Great tool.  By the way, please note that I am not espousing a particular software product here.  I use a ‘paid-for’ product at work and I also use freeware at home.  Both work quite effectively and they also integrate quite easily to other applications.

Randy Black, P. Eng., PMP
Senior Project Manager
Stantec

Does a pen count? Apart from Excel I don't regularly use any project management software tools. I tend to try them out and then move on to something else. I do use MS Project but I certainly wouldn't rate it as my favourite.

Elizabeth Harrin
Director, The Otobos Group
http://www.GirlsGuideToPM.com

My favorite PM tool is our version of a RAAID.   The RAAID (Risks, Actions, Assumptions, Issue and Decisions) is designed to ensure quick action and promote accountability.  The RAAID captures all risks to be mitigated, actions to be completed, assumptions to be validated, issues to be resolved and decisions to be documented.  It tracks what action is needed, who is doing it, when it is being done, and the status.  I believe it should  be used throughout the project lifecycle.  Not only does it impose prompt action, it also catalogues all issues identified throughout the life of the project.  It can be easily sorted by “open/closed” items and “due dates”, supporting action orientation and endorsing results.

In addition to the RAAID being my favorite tool, I believe the project status report is the most valuable tool.  The status report should be designed as a simple, standard way of consistently communicating project activities and allows project managers the opportunity to alert project stakeholders to issues impeding project success.  Using the simple ‘traffic-light’ reporting system (red-yellow-green), make sure each status is clearly defined and keep definitions basic, so not to confuse interpretation.  The status report is the best way for project manager to record accurate status on activities as well as act as a “call to action” for executives when activities are not progressing as planned.  Of course, this approach depends on creating a business culture that supports early problem identification so issues can be addressed in a timely fashion and “no news” is “good news”.

Lisa DiTullio
Principal
Your Project Office
http://www.yourprojectoffice.com

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Rick A. Morris
President
R2 Consulting, LLC
http://www.rsquaredconsulting.com
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2515/the-worklife-balance

I have used many tools as a project manager, and as a head of an enterprise PMO evaluated and selected many more but I just don’t have a favourite tool.

Well I do, and it is the project managers themselves.

Yes, there are numerous project tools available and good luck with them all, they all have strengths (and weaknesses) but I have seen many of them used to good effect. That said, my current interest is in the emerging world of social project management and social tools that project managers, and their teams, can use to great advantage.

In ‘The Social Project Manager: Balancing Collaboration with Centralised Control in a Project Driven World’ (Gower 2015) I explore the growing use of such tools and the emerging market that a number of tool providers are creating.

So back to the ‘favorite tool’ question, it is anything that allows for a project manager to more effectively communicate with their teams and stakeholders, and vice versa.

Peter Taylor
Head of Global PMO Kronos Inc.
and The Lazy Project Manager
http://www.thelazyprojectmanager.com
or see iTunes for The Lazy Project Manager podcast