You Won’t Solve it With Software

If you are reading Remarkable Results for the first time, please subscribe here to receive each weekly issue.? If you like what you read, please share it with others.

***

I wish I had a dime for every time in the last few years someone asked me for my recommendation for the best software tool, the best web platform, the best collaboration tool to facilitate long-distance work. I understand the question. Software is needed and can help us lead and work at a distance more effectively. The question though points to the hope (delusion?) that the right software is the answer. The truth is there are limits to technology and how it will help people get work done.

I get it – software seems like an easy answer.? Our meetings are very effective – maybe we need a better tool.? Communication isn’t very effective, is there software that can help? Chances are whatever tools you are currently using can give you 90% of what you need.? The problem isn’t the software, it is how you are (or more likely aren’t) using it. Research has long shown that the average organization is using about 20% of the functionality of the software they have invested in.

Before you begin shopping for new software tools, consider these actions:

• Understand the gaps. Whether those gaps are communication, meetings, collaboration, or something else, talk about what you need to improve. Once you understand what you need you can begin to look at your existing tools to see what is possible.
• Explore your existing software. Spend some time looking at the features.? Talk to an internal expert, or even do some online research.? You might be surprised what your existing tools can do.
• Do some training. If you find your tools can help you, give people training to use the features that will improve your results. Consider both the technical training – which buttons to push when – and application training – when and how to use those features to get the results you want.
• Look at work processes. The problem might not be software related at all.? If your meetings are ineffective, it might have little to do with your platform itself.? After all, were your meetings perfect (or even good) in person??
• Update expectations. Setting clearer expectations across the team as well as between individuals and their leaders might be the most valuable thing you could do.? When will we use which tools for which purposes?? Using the wrong tool for a job isn’t the fault of the software. Have you agreed on the situations when you will use email, vs chat, vs. picking up the phone?
• Look at your culture. There are a hundred things about the way you do things in your organization that might be a source of your challenges – and a different software tool, probably won’t solve that problem.

Software tools and platforms have transformed our organizations and truly facilitated greater organizational productivity and the possibility of widespread remote work.? It is certainly possible that your team or organization might need a new app or software application to meet a pressing need.? If so, the sooner you invest in the tools and needed training, the better.? But for the sake of your sanity and bottom line, don’t start with the search for the new software – start with the suggestions above.? Because new software might not be the solution to your challenges.

…

Note: a version of this article first appeared on my blog.

Have a great week – The resources below will extend this article and support you in getting Remarkable Results.

You are Remarkable!

Kevin ??

Building Effective Hybrid Teams

As the future of work continues to unfold, hybrid teams are becoming more prevalent. This presents a new set of challenges for organizations who go this route. They can all be overcome, however, and a hybrid workplace can provide great value to the organization and the individual team members. Find out more...

The Forgotten Tool for Remote Work Communications

Communications technology certainly has advanced during my career (and likely yours, too). Could we be forgetting to use one of the richest, most effective and efficient forms of communication though, one that's been with us for nearly 150 years? Read more...