"One time at X Consultancy, we were reviewing options for the project management tool. The tool we were using at the time was very affordable, but it also had very limited capabilities. For example, we still had to collaborate with clients and task owners through email, chat, and through the shared drive.

Our operations director proposed an alternative. After going through the features of the tool, I still found it lacking. In my experience, giving task owners the ability to do 90% of task management within the PM tool really helped expedite the workflow. For instance, if a deliverable needs to be reviewed by the task owner's superior, then the PM tool should have the functionality to attach files and add comments. So, I did my research and found two better options. I pitched both and supported my proposal with testimonials from users which highlighted how the tool helped their team's productivity. I also ran it by the production team, and they loved my picks. The operations director wasn't happy, but I was able to convince leadership to go with one of my picks. I made my case because, since I would be one of the everyday users of the tool, I should also be more attuned with the ins and outs of the tool's functionalities. At the end of the first year using the tool, our productivity went up by 12%."