Routines for Finding Inspiration

At Provide, we had a chat about the tools and routines we use to assist our remote work. There were some great suggestions, so we’d like to share them here! This is a quick list of resources and routines that we use to help us feel inspired!

3 Things to do Tomorrow Morning
Some of us have found that taking time to write down the first three tasks for the next morning goes a long way. It’s helpful to get the organizational planning done in advance so that the morning is devoted to execution.

Handlists
It’s very tempting to take notes digitally when working remotely, especially to simplify sharing. That said, some of us have found that we feel more organized and inspired when we make the effort to handwrite notes!

Harvard Business Review
This is a very high quality resource that covers a lot of ground for managers!

Manager Tools Podcast
Hosted by Michael Auzenne and Mark Horstman, this is a great listen for managers looking to become more effective!

Read a Hard Copy of a Local Newspaper
Keeping up with nearby events and news is vital for organizations that need to be culturally competent. Some of our team members find it helpful to establish connections in tangible ways, and reading hard copies of local papers definitely does the trick!

Tools for Remote Sharing

At Provide, we had a chat about the tools and routines we use to assist our remote work. There were some great suggestions, so we’d like to share them here! This is a quick list of tools that simplify how we share information!

Evernote
Evernote makes sharing notes easy, whether the notes are typed or handwritten!

Google Docs
Collaboration is incredibly simple with Google Docs. Seriously, if you’re not using it for your projects, start now!

Google Slides
Similar to Google Docs, this is a must when creating slideshows!

GroupMe
Stay in touch with your colleagues with GroupMe — you don’t even need the app to use it!

Skype
For large meetings, we use other tools, but Skype is still essential for quick catching up.

Tools to Simplify Remote Work

At Provide, we had a chat about the tools and routines we use to assist our remote work. There were some great suggestions, so we’d like to share them here! This is a quick list of tools that make keeping track of different accounts, tasks, and events much easier!

1Password
This helps us secure our logins, travel documents, and other sensitive information in one safe place.

eWallet
This is another helpful tool for storing passwords and is available on a variety of platforms.

Google Now
This keeps us prepared for the weather, aware of local traffic delays, and in the know about area events! This is extremely useful for organizations that want to acquire cultural proficiency.

Sunrise
A great tool that integrates appointments and reminders from a large number of sources.

Todoist
For collaborative tasks, Todoist is a must! One great premium feature is the ability to color code projects.

TripIt
Those who travel for work know that keeping track of the necessary documents can be a nightmare. No longer the case with TripIt!

Wunderlist
Another great app for keeping track of tasks. Users can share lists and easily sort items in a number of ways!

Socializing with Intent

Getting to know our colleagues not only informs how we do our jobs, but helps us develop deeper connections to our work. One of the things we at Provide have learned through our reliance on remote work is that socialization has to be deliberate. We can’t just assume that we will learn about each other or build a supportive organizational culture naturally.  To that end, the Provide Communications Intern began an interview project; she first interviewed Provide‘s Deputy Director, Jenny O’Donnell, about her role, what surprises her about the work, “secret” passions, and more! For managers looking for ways to incorporate better socialization practices into their remote work, this may be an interesting resource!