Why Stick to the Old Reliable? Managing Change in Engineering and Technology

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the pressure to constantly evolve and embrace new tools or methodologies is immense. Yet, the appeal of sticking to the "old reliable" remains strong in many engineering and technology teams. After all, when things go wrong, it’s often the engineering leads who are left holding the bag, explaining to management why a perfectly functioning system suddenly failed because of a new, untested technology.

The Fear of the Unknown

For many technology leads, staying within the confines of what they already know feels like a safer choice. It avoids the steep learning curve that comes with adopting new technologies. However, there’s also a fear: “If I don’t keep up with the latest trends, will I still be relevant in my role?”

This mindset often trickles down to engineering teams, which may find themselves constrained by the technological comfort zone of their leads. It’s not that they don't want to innovate; they just need the right environment and support to embrace change.

Why the Old Approach Often Works

In some scenarios, an older approach or technology might deliver faster results than its newer counterpart. Many businesses prioritize speed to market, focusing on quick, tangible outcomes rather than innovative experimentation. However, while the old reliable may win the race today, it could slow things down in the long run, as competitors who adopt new technologies start to overtake you.

Managing Change in Technology Teams

The tech industry thrives on innovation, but it also demands rapid adaptation. The half-life of new technologies is becoming increasingly short—roughly six months in many cases. So, instead of resisting change, the focus should be on managing it effectively.

As technical leads, we have a responsibility to ensure that our teams are continuously growing and evolving. Failing to embrace new technologies can stunt both the team's and the company's growth.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

It's true that some large organizations continue to rely on legacy systems, and for a while, that may work. But eventually, the market, and especially customers, will force a shift. Today’s customers are more tech-savvy than ever before, and many are well-versed in the technology that powers the services they use. Engineers are no longer the gatekeepers of tech knowledge.

How to Navigate Change: A Roadmap

Here are some steps to ensure successful technological transitions:

1. Get Stakeholder Buy-in: Product managers, business leaders, customer experience teams, and sometimes even customers themselves need to be on board with the change. When everyone feels that they’ve made the decision together, the team can either swim together or sink together.
2. Prepare for Worst-case Scenarios: Stakeholders need to understand the risks involved in adopting new technologies so they can be prepared for potential challenges.
3. Equip the Team: Both technical and non-technical team members need to skill up to handle the new system or tool. Continuous learning is crucial for a smooth transition.
4. Have a Clear Fallback Plan: If things get messy, ensure there’s a reliable fallback mechanism to revert to the old system.
5. Implement Controlled Tests: Encourage early adopters within the team or the customer base to test the new system. Controlled rollouts can help identify potential issues before a full-scale launch.
6. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Open lines of communication are critical. Everyone involved needs to be aware of progress, challenges, and the timeline for change.
7. Support Teams Are Key: Often, support teams are the first point of contact when something goes wrong. Make sure they’re well-prepared to handle both technical and human challenges during the transition.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving tech industry, the debate between sticking to the old reliable and embracing new innovations will continue. But one thing is clear: change is inevitable. How we manage that change—by preparing our teams, aligning stakeholders, and planning for worst-case scenarios—can make all the difference between success and failure.

Ready for the Future?

The key takeaway is this: Innovation isn’t the enemy, but it needs to be approached with careful planning and clear communication. As leaders, we must balance the reliability of the past with the potential of the future. By doing so, we can ensure our teams remain competitive, engaged, and ready for whatever comes next.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! How does your team manage technological change?

This article can be shared with stakeholders and team members to foster a discussion on how to balance innovation with stability in your engineering teams.