My Favourite Tools for Uber Organization
I am always on the lookout for ways to simplify or eliminate administrative burdens. There are just so many better ways I‘d like to spend my time!
So I’m happy to share with you my favourite every day tools that I’m using right now. I’m always open to suggestions, so if you have a favourite of your own, please let me know in the comments below.
So far I haven’t dabbled with any affiliate posts on this site, so the following really is my honest unbiased opinion of these services.
Spark Hire
I just started using Spark Hire this year and it has absolutely revolutionized my hiring workflow. Spark Hire is an online automated interview platform that is really easy to use, very customizable, and quick to set up and launch. I hire a lot of staff from around the world every year and this service has made wonky wifi connections and the struggle of coordinating opposing time zones a thing of the past. And I’m not going to lie, it’s been an absolute blessing when I’m having a super introverted kind of day.
I used to schedule live online interviews whenever I could manage to connect with people, which meant that my regular workday was constantly being interrupted. It really messed with my efficiency and was a huge hindrance to my productivity. With Spark Hire though, I can now schedule blocks of time to review interviews and make the most of that time.
Type Form
Type form is a super handy tool for collecting information. I use Type Form mostly as a registration platform for employees. What’s really great about their forms, is that you can use logic jump to direct people to different questions depending on their answers. It also allows me to add photos and logos for branding, and send out confirmation emails with individualized data pulled from users unique answers.
Since joining Spark Hire this year, I know use the two together to make a complete interviewing package. Applicants complete the Type Form questionnaire, upload their documents, and are then directed to their video interviews on Spark Hire.
Google Forms
I love using google forms for less complex data collection, and its free! I’ve used Google Forms for all kinds of things over the years including:
Embedding forms to my sales website to collect specific information from customers so that we’re ready with the right products when we call them
Quick employee surveys
Messaging boards for staff communication
Employee registration (prior to using Type Form)
Customer waitlists
Blogging/Website
I’ve maintained a staff website/blog for about eight years now and over time it has become the hub of information. I manage different parts of the site for staff/public viewing through locking certain pages which means I am able to communicate with internal employees and prospective employees with the same tool.
Our site hosts information on working conditons, safety, events, job postings, schedules, messaging boards, faqs, the list goes on. Pretty much anything and everything goes on this site and I heavily reference it in all my communications. It’s been an resource for staff to be able to answer their own questions, freeing me to focus on the really specific one off situations.
My go to host is Square Space because it’s so easy to just jump into and get started.
Asana
I started using Asana just for myself last year and now I’m using the free version to manage team projects. My favourite feature is the ability to divide a project into tasks for different people and get reports on each persons’ progress. It’s such a handy tool, that I am now using it for work and to organize my personal life.
Microsoft BI
This is a really new one for me, but I’m really excited about it. I’m only just in the process of learning how to use it (thank you Lynda.com for wonderful tutorials!) but I am already envisioning dashboards of performance metrics, survey results, and revenue streams in beautiful easy to understand graphics!
I do get really (overly) excited about these kinds of workflow tools so I will add to this list as I find more things that make my work life easier and my time more effective.
Automating everything can have its pitfalls and it can be an easy way for an introverted leader to slip into a perpetual state of hiding, but I’ve been working on solutions for that too. Next week I’ll b sharing my ideas of how to keep making a presence and how to develop meaningful connections with your team in an increasingly automated world.