For the team I manage, I’ve instituted a 60-year-old management technique. Monday notes are a system for keeping track of what everyone is working on, flagging problems and suggesting solutions. I got the idea from reading about a similar system Wernher von Braun used during the early years of NASA.
I ask team members to set aside a few minutes each Monday morning to write a paragraph describing their progress in free text format. They should mention their successes, but also to bring up questions and concerns. The notes are open to read for anyone on the team.
I find that Monday notes ensure that everyone is informed about what’s going on without the need for time-consuming face-to-face meetings or calls. What’s more, team members report that they find the activity of writing the notes valuable in itself, as it clarifies what’s important and reminds them of what they’ve achieved.
Nehaveigur 