Managing your School
7 MIN READ

IS THE QUESTION – RIGHT TIME? OR RIGHT PRODUCT

By Leslie Turner
Bringing in something new doesn't always mean extra work. The right product should save you time and reduce your workload.

There is a lot of change happening in secondary schools right now. The Junior Cycle being introduced, there are new regulations to adhere to and you may be at different stages of rolling out Office 365 or G Suite or, trying to figure out how to get the best of them. It is understandable to feel like now is not the right time to introduce something new.

The reality is times have changed. Traditionally everyone could go off and do their own thing using different systems and apps. With all of this change being introduced this is no longer acceptable.

You want to relieve the stress and frustration everyone is feeling, trying to get to grips with the new terminology and understand exactly what is expected of them. With all of this increased workload now is the time to put in place the help and support needed to ensure departments get planning for the Junior Cycle right from the start.

However, if it is another piece of technology or app that works in isolation and will further fragment your processes, you are probably right, you have enough going on. But, if it is going to integrate with and make the most of with the suite of apps you already have, bring clarity to the Junior Cycle and help safeguard your school with new regulations. Well, maybe it is worth consideration.

We have talked to a lot of schools over the last couple of years. We know that the last thing you need is another product that only will only solve a small portion of the problems you face right now.

However, with everything that is going on now is the time to stop and take a look at the bigger picture. Envision where you would like your school to be in 5 years’ time.

Now is the right time to put in a solid foundation. So, when considering what you are going to bring in to help and support staff think about the following;

  • Will it integrate with the suite of apps you already use or add another layer of complexity?
  • Will it reduce workload rather than increase it?
  • Will it facilitate collaboration or will everyone still go off and do their own thing?

So, rather than ask yourself “is it the right time”? Maybe ask yourself “is it the right product”?

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