Authored by:
Kristina Oberly
Research Process Coordinator
University of Michigan
Email: koberly@umich.edu
Trello is a free, online tool utilizing boards, lists, and cards to help organize tasks, manage projects, and collaborate as a team.
Want to get started? Here are 5 Trello tips for Research Administrators:
1. Create a Team with your colleagues
Teams in Trello allow all members to share and collaborate on group boards. Teams can be great for groups who share work and need to be “in-the-know” or even for a manager overseeing multiple projects.
2. Make multiple boards
Don’t feel like you have to fit everything into one board. Your work is likely to be multi-dimensional – so should your organization. For example, my team has one board just to track proposals; each proposal is a card and is moved to various lists as it moves through the submission process.
3. Get yourself a Butler (Bot)
Add the Butler to your board. Give the Butler a command and watch it automate frequent actions. For example, when I check off the due date on a proposal card, the Butler automatically moves it to my “submitted” list.
4. Add power-ups to your board
Power-ups add special features, extra functionality, and integration with other apps to your boards. A free account allows you to use one power-up per board, but don’t worry – you can switch power-ups, if you’d like. I recommend trying “card aging” to not lose track of tasks you keep pushing back.
5. Send Trello your tasks
I have developed the habit of using my inbox as a to do list (I’m sure I’m not alone!). Trello allows you to turn emails, text messages, and even voicemails into cards. This will help keep your inbox clear and have a more functional to do list.
Are you already a Trello master? Send us your favorite tips and tricks for using Trello.
Click here for more details on how to get started with Trello.
#insights#ProfessionalDevelopment#ResearchAdministration