Our Take

Don’t Be Bullied By Technology

Technology changes are exciting, offering the potential for cost savings, streamlined processes and increased customer satisfaction. Large-scale change is also daunting. It can mean unanticipated expense, upheaval and confusion.

When you’re approached by a smiling supplier promising a technology fix for your problems, take your time. Carefully evaluate the new system or process being proposed to you. Return to first principles. What’s best for your business? And how does the change they’re selling get you there? If your top decision-making criteria are “time” and “money” you’ll rarely come out with the best decision for your organization.

D & D’s Anti-bullying Basics

  1. Know your business strategy. What is driving your organization forward? Does the technology you’re being offered get you closer to your destination or will it be a costly detour? Evaluate any proposal in light of your stated business vision and objectives.
  2. Remain true to your values. Credit unions are a perfect example of organizations that shouldn’t necessarily embrace the fastest and cheapest solution. Ground yourself in your organization’s mandate and make sure your technology fits with you rather than the other way around.
  3. Research potential suppliers. Understand the change being proposed and find out who else could offer you a solution. You won’t always get an “apples to apples” comparison, so be careful in your evaluation.
  4. Engage your staff. Decisions are often made by those individuals who will be least affected by the change. Seek out diverse input from all levels of your organization and incorporate it into your decision-making.
  5. Don’t fall for fancy talk. Seek simplicity and clarity when researching the technology and potential suppliers. Ask the pointed questions. Not only are you are entitled to the knowledge, but you can’t make a good decision without it.