You're juggling multiple mobile app projects. How do you decide which tasks to tackle first?

1 Prioritize Tasks

When deciding which tasks to tackle first, consider the impact and urgency of each one. High-impact tasks that align with your project's core objectives should take precedence. For example, if you're developing a mobile app with an emphasis on user experience, prioritize tasks that enhance the interface or improve user interaction. Urgency is also key; tasks with looming deadlines or those that are prerequisites for other work should be high on your list. Balancing impact and urgency allows you to focus on what truly moves the needle for your project.

2 Assess Resources

Your available resources play a significant role in task prioritization. Take stock of your team's skills and the tools at your disposal. If you have limited access to a specialized developer whose skills are crucial for a particular task, prioritize their workload accordingly. Similarly, if a task requires a tool that's in high demand or has a cost associated with it, schedule it when it's most feasible. By assessing your resources, you can align tasks with the right people and tools, ensuring that work is not only done but done well.

3 Monitor Progress

Keep a close eye on the progress of each project. Use project management tools to track tasks, deadlines, and milestones. This visibility allows you to adjust priorities as projects evolve. If one project is lagging, you might need to shift focus to get it back on track. Conversely, if a project is ahead of schedule, you can afford to allocate resources to other tasks without jeopardizing its timeline. Monitoring progress helps you stay flexible and responsive to the dynamic nature of mobile app development.

4 Manage Risks

Identifying potential risks early on can influence task prioritization. If a particular feature development poses a high risk of causing delays or technical debt—a concept where taking shortcuts now increases work later—it may be wise to address it sooner rather than later. By proactively managing risks, you can prevent them from becoming bigger issues that could derail your projects. This foresight ensures that you're not just reacting to problems but actively working to avoid them.

5 Communicate Clearly

Effective communication with your team is vital. Ensure everyone understands the priorities and their roles in executing them. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps the team aligned with the project goals. If priorities shift—and they often do—communicate these changes promptly to avoid confusion and keep the team moving in the right direction. Remember, a well-informed team is an empowered team that can make better decisions about their work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?