By skyforbes 
Being a project manager in a fast-paced corporate world is no walk in the park. Add being a mom into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a juggling act that could rival the best circus performer. Over the years, I’ve honed a few project management tips and tricks that help me stay on top of my game—both in the office and at home.
Whether you’re managing a team, planning a major rollout, or just trying to make sure your toddler doesn’t color on the walls (again), these strategies are my saving grace. Let’s dive in!
1. Prioritize Like a Pro
Project managers live by the art of prioritization. With so many tasks vying for your attention, it’s crucial to distinguish between what’s truly important and what can wait.
Here’s how I do it:
- The Eisenhower Matrix: Sort tasks into four quadrants—urgent & important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus on the first quadrant first and delegate or defer the rest.
- Daily Top Three: At the start of each day, identify the three most impactful tasks and tackle those first.
At home, I apply the same principle. If my son needs help with something, that takes precedence over checking emails. It’s all about aligning your actions with your priorities.
2. Embrace Time Blocking
Time blocking is a lifesaver when you’re managing multiple projects (and, let’s be real, multiple lives). I carve out chunks of time for specific tasks and stick to them like glue.
Here’s how it works:
- Work: I set two-hour focus blocks for deep work, ensuring my team knows not to disturb me during this time unless it’s an emergency.
- Home: I block off evenings for uninterrupted family time. No emails, no Slack notifications—just quality time with my son.
Time blocking helps me stay focused and ensures every part of my life gets the attention it deserves.
3. Over-Communicate, but Keep It Clear
When managing projects, you can’t assume everyone is on the same page—you have to ensure it. Clear, consistent communication is my secret weapon.
Some tips I swear by:
- Regular Updates: I schedule weekly check-ins with my team to review progress, address roadblocks, and recalibrate priorities.
- Clarity is Key: Avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Whether I’m leading a team meeting or explaining to my toddler why we can’t eat cookies for breakfast, I keep my messages simple and clear.
4. Master the Art of Delegation
Delegation isn’t just about handing off tasks—it’s about empowering others to contribute. At work, I delegate based on team members’ strengths and career goals, ensuring they feel ownership and accountability.
At home, delegation looks a little different (hello, teamwork with my spouse!), but it’s just as important. My husband and I divvy up household responsibilities to keep things running smoothly.
Remember: You don’t have to do it all alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Keep It Agile
The world of project management is constantly evolving, and so are the demands of life. Adopting an agile mindset helps me stay flexible and adapt to change.
How I apply this:
- Work: Break projects into smaller sprints, allowing for quick adjustments if priorities shift.
- Home: When plans go awry (as they often do with a toddler!), I pivot without stressing. If bedtime runs late or dinner burns, I roll with it.
Life and work rarely go as planned, and agility keeps me sane through it all.
6. Leverage Tools and Technology
From managing deadlines to tracking deliverables, tools are my best friends. Here are a few I can’t live without:
- Work Tools: Trello for task tracking, Slack for team communication, and Asana for project timelines.
- Personal Tools: Google Calendar to sync family and work schedules, and apps like Mealime for meal planning.
The right tools make even the most daunting tasks manageable.
7. Practice Self-Care to Boost Productivity
Burnout is the enemy of great project management. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of your work or your family.
Here’s what I do to recharge:
- Work: I take short breaks throughout the day—stretching, walking, or simply breathing away from my desk.
- Home: I reserve 10 minutes at night for journaling or skincare. These tiny rituals keep me grounded.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for staying effective in all areas of life.
8. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small
Acknowledging progress is a powerful motivator. Whether it’s a successful project launch or my son learning to put his shoes on the right feet, celebrating achievements keeps me energized.
At work, I make it a point to recognize my team’s hard work. At home, we celebrate with family movie nights or ice cream runs for milestones (yes, even small ones!).
Final Thoughts
Being a project manager isn’t just a job—it’s a mindset. It’s about staying organized, adaptable, and intentional in everything you do. Whether you’re leading a team meeting or organizing a playdate, these skills translate across every aspect of life.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Start small, experiment with what works for you, and don’t forget to celebrate your journey.
Until next time,
Lexa