Best tools for SBMs
Best tools for SBMs
SBMs manage multiple tasks at once to carry their job out effectively. It can be difficult to keep on top of workload whilst managing staff and all the extra bits SBMS do. There are many helpful tools that SBMs can use to help relieve the pressure of their workload and manage staff.
We have created a list of the best tools for SBMs that can help with your workload and relieve some stress.
Trello
There are plenty of project management tools out there. However, Trello is the easiest to use and has a simple drag-and-drop style.
You can add new ‘boards’ for certain teams and projects, then add ‘columns’ to split big tasks down further into smaller ones. The ‘cards’ are the most important feature of Trello as this is where you put individual tasks, labels, people to add, titles, comments and files into. Then you can move them into appropriate columns to track progress on tasks.
We recommend having your own personal Trello board too. This will be a board only you can see to put your own tasks on there. This will help you to keep on top of your own workload.
There’s also a very useful free version that you can use straight away.
Google Drive
One of the best tools for SBMs to use is Google Drive to share files. It takes the Microsoft Office package and gives you access, wherever your teams are, without losing security.
Google Slides, Docs, and Sheets are apps that are compatible with over 100 file types, including Microsoft Office files. You also get 15GB storage as standard. You can give access for everyone to edit and review at the same time, perfect for collaborative working and quick decisions.
Depending on the size of your school, Google Drive can be very affordable. View the pricing here and test a personal Drive for free.
Management systems
There are a few worldwide management systems used by all sorts of businesses to manage staff and their own work. They are great for SBMs to use as they enable them to have all work in one place and can track everything from projects and daily activities to productivity and finances.
Scoro is a great management system to use. They offer a control hub, time management, and a collaborative platform to ensure business managers don’t need to switch between different tools. You can also understand every aspect of your business in terms of time and money which can make finances easier for SBMs.
Plus, you can integrate Scoro with the tools you already use so that they all live within the same place. You can try Scoro for free to see if it works for you.
Communication tools
Communication tools are perfect for SBMs to use internally for any remote working or when it’s difficult to hold meetings in person.
The best communication tool to use for a business setting is MS Teams. You can use chats to check up on people as well as video calls for meetings/training sessions. Plus, you can share files with others via message and create group chats for multiple people projects. Teams can also help you to see any scheduled meetings or anything you have put into your calendar, helping you to keep track.
Try MS Teams which is free with the Microsoft package.
School finance success
Other tools for SBMs can be as simple as websites and blogs that offer advice and support to help manage the job. One of the best website and blog is Julie Cordiner’s school finance success. Julie is an Education Funding Specialist with over 30 years of experience in finance. She supports with juggling your school’s finances and updates you on government announcements.
On the website, you can find a wealth of support through helpful information and even online courses. Her blog covers topics such as governmental changes to funding in schools. The topics also offer support for SBMs who are struggling under the pressure of the job.
Budget management apps
There are plenty of budget management apps to further help SBMs with their school finances. Many of these app's work for all businesses so research and compare to see what will work best for you.
Workday Adaptive Planning help elevate your budgeting, planning and modelling through planning software. It gives you familiar Excel like sheets that streamlines the planning process. You can drill down into cell values to extract and share strategic insights. They offer configurable options and custom calculations giving you the flexibility to adapt as budgets grow or changes.
Social media
A large amount of support that SBMs can seek comes from social media. It is one of the most accessible tools for SBMs to connect to other leaders and find crucial information to help with their job.
Through the use of Twitter SBL Connect helps SBMs and SBLs from all over the UK to support each other. Search and use #sblconnect or the tag @sblconnect. It’s a movement to connect and represent SBMs and SBLs in an informal and supportive way.
There are also lots of other accounts that can be a useful tool for SBMs, providing all sorts of advice. Discover more in our 5 places SBMs can go to for support blog.
Two-way messaging apps
Two-way messaging apps can be a useful tool for SBMs to use for communication purposes. SBMs can reach out to everyone they work with and even stay connected to other school leaders. This will help communication with people during busy periods and can even help to connect to others who may be remote or off.
Whatsapp is a brilliant messaging app as it is very secure and easy to use. Create groups for certain people to stay in contact with or message individuals when needed. Share files quickly and safely as well as call and video call for free. It is completely free to download and can import contacts to the app from your phone. Using this will help save money as you won’t use up all your contract allowance through SMS, calls and data (if connected to WiFi).
Use these best tools for SBMs to help you organise, communicate and gather support to aid you in your role. Try these tools for SBMs out and see if they work for you. They can change your work life and relieve some stress as you stay on top of your job.
Let us know about other useful tools you may use on our Twitter.
