The first of the 5 T’s of Leading is Tools – the tools you choose to use
Tools relates to the technology tools that you select. Which ones will you use? What will you use them for?
Defining the individual Tools that are in your Orgs tool box is part of your job as a Tech Manager. The process for selecting each tools should be systematic, selective and inclusive of many voices. But at some point, the Tech Manager has to weigh in with a choice.
No Choice:
Some ED Tech Managers don’t get a choice. They inherit tools. The tools are selected by the district or others. These are realities that we all have to live with. So working with tools that may not be on the top of your list is a day to day reality.
When you have no choice on the tools being used – you need to make the best of it. Don’t complain about how crummy the tools are (even though they may be). Do your best to get the best out of each tool. Look for and build on the best parts of each tool. Try to minimize or work around the areas that are weak.
When you Choose:
When you have the chance to choose the tools that your firm works with, what do you look for? The best all around tool? The best at one particular function? The newest? The cheapest? There are many factors that go into software choices. I could not really list them all. And if I tried, I may miss the ones that you think is most important.
Is it cost? Is it compatibility with other tools? Is it what others are using (industry standard). Is it knowledge of your staff? Is it training costs? Support costs?
When I weigh the selection of tools, I have to take all of these into account. Leaving one out may sabotage the selection. Wading through the impactful issues may be tough.
Setting up Your Portfolio
Think of your tech tools as a portfolio (kind of like stocks/investments). You need to have a balance and not be heavily weighted in one area and not another. You need to reduce the number of options for certain functions so that everyone is using the same tools in the same way. You need to eliminate tools that are not longer used, but still may be making support payments.
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