To make sure we don't use multiple tools for the same goal, we had a big sheet with all tools.
The basic rule around trying new tools was that you could always test them yourself or with a small group, but not spread its use across the company. If you would want to do that, we would test the new tool vs whatever we were using for that job before. If the new thing was better, we'd remove the old thing and move to the new with everyone.`
Many companies choose to let employees choose the slightly better tool for each job. We chose to enforce tools company wide, after testing them out. Why?
- of the tool itself, especially communication tools get better with more people.
- is easier if people can teach each other, experts can reach higher levels too.
- often go down, because we buy more licenses on software.
- improves because you can interchange information without conversion.
- gets better when there are less tools, simply because there are less options.
- of tools is a chicken-egg problem with a tipping point. Reach it, people love it. Don't, they blame the tool.