Biz Bytes
The show for leaders who want their technology investments to work and understand that starts with fixing the operating model.
- We talk about the work that happens before the system gets switched on.
- We unpack the messy middle between “strategy approved” and “technology delivering value”.
- We teach the execution disciplines that make tech adoption stick.
Biz Bytes
Why Technology Alone Can't Transform Your Business
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The Magic Bullet Myth: Why Your New Tech Investment Might Be Doomed
We’ve all heard the promise: "This new software will solve everything!" But behind most failed system implementations is a fundamental misunderstanding of what drives successful change. In this eye-opening Mythbuster, we unpack why technology alone is never enough.
A successful system change relies on a three-legged stool: people, process, and technology. Focus only on the tech, and that stool will topple. Your new system means nothing if your team doesn't embrace it or if it's built on flawed processes.
Ready to break free from the technology myth? Tune in to the full episode to learn how to create lasting change.
Today we're kicking off our new monthly Mythbuster segment. Every month I'll take a common misconception about technology and business and expose it for what it really is. Going to start with a big one, a real classic the idea that system changes are all about technology. We've heard it all before If we just get a new piece of software, our problems will disappear. It's tempting to think a tech upgrade is a magic bullet, a quick and easy fix for everything from inefficiency to poor team morale. But I'll let you in on something Focusing only on the technology is a good way to see your projects fail and budgets get wasted.
Speaker 1:The truth is, a successful system change is a three-legged stool. It's about people, process and technology. If you only focus on one, that stool is going to wobble and fall over, leaving you with an expensive system nobody uses. Let's dig a little deeper about what I mean here. First and foremost, you've got to focus on your people. They're the ones who use the new system every single day. Think about it you could buy the fastest, most advanced electric car on the market, but if your team don't know how to drive it or worse, they're just scared to it sits in the garage as a shiny, unused asset.
Speaker 1:Technology is just a tool. Its success depends entirely on the humans who use it. So what can an organisation do to get this right? Firstly, communicate the why. Don't just tell your team what is changing. You've got to explain why it's changing. What's the benefit for them? How will it make their jobs easier, more efficient or less frustrating? When people understand and see a direct benefit, they're far more likely to embrace the change. It's about answering their question. What's in this for me? Involve them early on. Bring your team into a conversation from the start. Ask for their feedback on current pain points. When they feel like part of the solution and have a voice in the new design, they're going to be big advocates, change champions, not just passive resistors. And finally, invest in ongoing support. Training isn't a one and done deal. It needs to be a continuous effort, especially if your organization grows and brings on new people. It needs to be a continuous effort, especially if your organization grows and brings on new people. You need to provide accessible guides, lunch and learn sessions and clear communication channels for support. Make sure your team have the resources they need long after the new system's in place. This builds confidence and empowers them to use the new tools effectively Next up process.
Speaker 1:You've probably heard me say this before If you automate a bad process, you're just going to get bad outcomes faster. You can pour money into the latest software, but if your underlying workflow is inefficient or full of redundant steps, the new system will simply amplify these problems. Before you even think about buying a new software subscription, you need to look at how you do things now. Map out your workflows. Get a clear visual picture of your current processes. Where are the bottlenecks? What steps are causing frustrational delays? This is about getting straight. Talk on your current reality. Then design your ideal future. Once you know what's broken, design what your ideal processes look like. This is your blueprint for success. Don't let the software dictate how your business runs. Design your processes first and find the tech to support it. This ensures the technology serves your business vision, not the other way around. And finally, simplify A system.
Speaker 1:Change is the perfect opportunity to cut out outdated or unnecessary steps, streamline your operations, eliminate double handling and get rid of the clutter. You might find you don't even need all the features a vendor's selling you. That's going to save you a bundle. Finally, we get to the technology. This is the enabler, not the solution.
Speaker 1:Once you've got your people on board and your processes mapped out, this is the time to find the right tool for the job. That's where you've got to get out and align your investment. Your tech choice has to align directly with your business goals. You aren't going to need to buy a Ferrari if you just want to go to the grocery store. It's about being smart with your budget and making sure every dollar spent on technology is driving value. Secondly, focus on the right fit. Don't just go for the flashiest or most popular product. Find a solution that fits your unique processes and empowers your people. This is where a vendor neutral advisor can be invaluable, helping you cut through the complexity and avoid mismatched investments.
Speaker 1:So the next time someone suggests a new system, challenge them. Ask them some questions. What processes will this improve? How are we going to get our people to adopt it? What's the problem we're trying to solve? By asking these questions, you're setting your project up for success from day one, ensuring you're not just buying a tool, but enabling a transformation. Remember, technology can be a fantastic tool for growth, but it's not a magic bullet. A successful system change isn't a tech project. It's a business transformation. You've got to focus on the people who use the system, the processes they follow, and then find the systems that bring that all together. When you get all three in sync, that's when you see real lasting impact. That's it for this month's MythBuster. Join me next week where I'm going to explore if Moderna's decision to merge the IT and HR functions is a smart move or not.