The Better Collaboration Question

Which tool will we use to do X?

After all, modern organizations use dozens of overlapping applications and systems—and sometimes nearly 200. As but one example, Zoom, MS Teams, and Webex are viable videoconferencing options. Don't get me started on the vast array of task-management tools.

Once a firm lands on a magnet app, however, the question shifts. It becomes: Where in [insert name of tool] should we put X?

That's not to say that people don't make honest mistakes while using Notion, Loom, Coda, and other magnet apps. They do. But moving a database, drawing, PDF, document, or other file from one location to another within the same, universally used app is simple. Choosing a new tool altogether (and fighting myriad internal battles over the move) is a very different kettle of fish.

Phil Simon: A Better Way to Work

Hubs and spokes in action.

Phil Simon

Simon Says

Training willing participants to use a tool isn't difficult. Getting everyone to agree upon it in the first place is.