What is the Best Planner for Managers and Executives?
When you’re managing people, projects, and long-term strategy, your planner can make or break your productivity. The truth is, managers and executives don’t just need a place to jot down appointments—they need a system that keeps them focused, organized, and moving toward big-picture goals.
So what’s the best planner for professionals at this level? Let’s take a closer look at the options—and why the Productive Living Planner has quickly become a favorite among leaders.
What Managers and Executives Really Need
A good planner for leadership roles should help you:
- Balance strategic goals with daily execution
- Track multiple projects at once
- Stay on top of meetings, deadlines, and team updates
- Keep everything in one streamlined system
Many planners check one or two of these boxes—but the best one will cover them all.
Competitor Options for Professionals
1. Franklin Covey Planners
- Pros: Structured, built for business professionals, long-standing reputation.
- Cons: Often rigid, forcing you into their system instead of supporting yours.
2. Full Focus Planner (by Michael Hyatt)
- Pros: Daily layouts help with detailed task management.
- Cons: Limited customization, and some executives find it too repetitive.
3. Moleskine Professional Planners
- Pros: Professional design, flexible note-taking space.
- Cons: More generic layouts, less support for goal-setting or complex project management.
4. Digital Tools (Google Calendar, Notion, Outlook)
- Pros: Syncs across devices, integrates with scheduling and reminders.
- Cons: Easy to get distracted by notifications; less effective for memory retention or strategy building.
Why the Productive Living Planner Outperforms
Unlike one-size-fits-all planners, the Productive Living Planner was built for professionals who need both structure and flexibility.
Here’s why leaders are switching to it in 2025:
- Custom layouts for your role: Add project tracking, quarterly goals, or meeting notes—whatever fits your workflow.
- Durable, professional design: Faux leather hard cover, cream paper, and spiral binding built to last through nonstop use.
- Balanced approach: Helps you see your long-term vision while keeping your daily tasks on track.
- Streamlined system: Unlike rigid competitors, Productive Living lets you design a planner that works the way you do.
- Tailored for busy professionals: Designed specifically with 9–5 professionals, managers, and executives in mind
Other planners force you into their structure. Productive Living empowers you to create your structure.
Real-World Use Cases
- Executives use quarterly goal spreads to tie daily work back to the company’s mission.
- Team managers rely on project tracking pages to monitor deadlines and responsibilities.
- Entrepreneurs use a mix of habit tracking and business planning spreads to keep personal and professional life balanced.
It’s not about copying someone else’s productivity system—it’s about creating your own.
FAQs About Planners for Managers
Why not just stick with digital apps?
Apps are great for scheduling meetings, but paper planners support deeper focus, better memory, and strategic clarity. Many executives use both together.
Is the Productive Living Planner customizable enough for executives?
Yes—unlike Franklin Covey or Full Focus, where you’re locked into a structure, Productive Living lets you design layouts that fit your leadership role.
How does Productive Living compare on price?
It’s more affordable than many premium competitors while offering higher durability and full customization.
Will it look professional in meetings?
Absolutely. The design is sleek, classic, and boardroom-ready—no loud colors or gimmicky graphics.
Final Thoughts
The best planner for managers and executives isn’t just about tracking to-dos. It’s about building a system that supports leadership, focus, and long-term success.
Franklin Covey, Full Focus, and Moleskine are good options—but if you want a planner that adjusts to your career, workflow, and goals, the Productive Living Planner is the smartest choice you can make in 2025.