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The temptation to buy into this false maxim is indeed great. It offers a quick and easy solution to bothersome problems (if not an easily affordable one). But we must remember, an idea in business is a good idea if it helps companies to compete for the favour of customers. This would seem to recommend that buying up all of the technological solutions possible is a good way to compete. But to say so is quite incorrect. (Which Technology to Change?) |
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Real competitive advantage is found only in things that are not easily copied by your competitors. This naturally excludes technologies that your company buys from outsiders. The reason being, your competition can buy the same technology you can. |
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But there is a way to make externally developed technology a success factor for your company. The key is to adopt cutting edge technology with extreme speed. Turning this key is up to the people in your company – how they work amongst themselves, and with suppliers, customers and other outsiders. |
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Without the total commitment and enthusiastic effort of employees, even the best technologies are rendered impotent. This is because technology is simply a tool, nothing more and nothing less. Getting the most out of it is a matter that is entirely up to the people in your company and how you use technology and for what purposes. (Extending Strategic Competency) |
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Which brings us to another problem with the "Technology is good" myth. Because of the perceived tendency for technology to increase productivity, many companies view technology as a way to replace employees. If this is your view, then you can rest assured your employees know it. You can also rest assured that not too many of them will be willing to participate with enthusiasm in their own hanging. |
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Using technology as a means to enact a downsizing guarantees two things. First, the advantage of the technology will be watered down or even cancelled. Second, the next time your company tries to implement new technology, there will be significant resistance to technological change. |
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Technology demands more of people, not less. Using technology to the advantage of your company requires two things. First and foremost, a guarantee to employees that none of their jobs will be lost to the new technology. Secondly, the commitment of the workforce to incorporate the new technology as rapidly as possible. |
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Companies do not need new technologies even one tenth as much as they need talented and dedicated people to think and apply themselves. In this new business era when the race has no finish line, starting early and starting fast is a necessity. This means success depends on your workforce, not on your technology. |
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