How to Focus on the Technology Your Teams Actually Need

It’s easy to think that more technology means more productivity. But if you’ve ever rolled out a new tool and watched it gather dust, you know that’s not the case. What really matters isn’t how many platforms you have - it’s whether they actually help your people do their best work.

When technology fits naturally into the way your team works, it makes life easier. It helps them collaborate, get things done faster, and free up energy for the work that matters. When it doesn’t, it just adds noise and frustration.

So how do you make sure your teams are using the right technology - the kind that actually empowers them rather than getting in the way?

Start by Listening

The best tech decisions don’t start in the boardroom, they start with your people. Ask your team:

• Where are you losing time?
• Which tasks feel repetitive or manual?
• What tools do you use every day - and which ones do you avoid?

Deloitte Australia did exactly this when they built MyAssist, a generative AI platform. Instead of chasing trends, they focused on solving everyday challenges like drafting and reviewing documents. What began as a small pilot is now used by thousands of staff and has answered millions of queries. The key? It addressed real problems that people cared about.

Keep It Simple

We’ve all seen the “too many apps” problem. Multiple logins, overlapping features, and no clear process. In the end, a cluttered tech stack slows people down instead of helping them.

TechnologyOne, based in Brisbane, recognised this and moved customers from on-premises systems to a streamlined cloud-first model. By cutting out the noise and focusing on one clear way of working, they gave organisations faster, more flexible systems that people actually use.

Build Confidence, Not Confusion

The best tool in the world is useless if no one feels confident using it. Training isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s what turns investment into impact.

AustralianSuper is a good example here. They’re not just rolling out AI tools and expecting overnight results. They’re investing in workshops and creating internal champions to help staff build confidence. That means people aren’t just being told to use new technology - they’re being supported to make it part of their daily work.

Stay Open to Change

What worked two years ago might be holding you back today. The best leaders don’t set their tech stack and forget it - they review regularly and make changes when needed.

Telstra is taking this approach by rolling out Microsoft Copilot to tens of thousands of staff and pairing it with a dedicated AI academy. They know it’s not just about giving people the tool, but also giving them the learning and support to adapt as work changes.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about how to make technology work better for your teams, here are four simple principles to start with:

1. Listen first - find out what’s really slowing people down.
2. Simplify - less is often more when it comes to tools.
3. Support confidence - training makes adoption stick.
4. Keep evolving - review often and adapt as needs change.

Final Thought

Technology should never feel like another layer of work. The right tools make things easier, clearer, and more collaborative. When leaders focus on listening, simplifying, building confidence, and staying adaptable, teams get the space to do their best work - and that’s when technology becomes a real advantage.