Our love for productivity tools will likely remain strong as the constant pursuit of efficiency drives us to seek new ways to improve. Throughout running a B2B tech company for 22 years, we've experimented with numerous time, productivity, and efficiency management solutions. Ultimately, what proved most effective was:
🔸 Hiring self-managed, capable individuals requiring minimal oversight
🔸 Allowing employees to choose their preferred tools
🔸 Focusing less on tool integration (small companies can afford this)
🔸Measuring productivity objectively at the end of each day
Instead of relying on timesheets, project reports, or complex task management platforms, I review the git log to gauge team performance. This allows me to offer support, encouragement, or assistance during our standup meetings, depending on the individual's needs. No additional tools are necessary.
Balancing productivity and tool management is crucial for small teams and solo entrepreneurs. Overthinking can lead to unnecessary complexity. Sometimes, a simple, customized tool can be the key to efficiency. This realization led me to create ShowNotes, a platform that significantly improves my productivity.