The two tool rule for new processes

Whenever my team wants to build a new process, I make them choose between only two tools before we start, not five. Limiting the options up front stops the search from turning into an endless comparison of every option on the market.

This matters because too many choices slows everything down. I have watched a simple decision, like picking something to track a checklist, turn into weeks of research because nobody wanted to commit without comparing every possible option first. Meanwhile the actual work that needed the tool just sat waiting.

Narrowing to two real options, chosen quickly based on what already fits your stack, gets you moving. You can always switch later if the pick turns out wrong, but a decision made this week beats a perfect decision made next quarter.

Try this today: the next time your team needs a new tool for something, give yourselves exactly two choices and a short deadline to pick one. Do not let the search grow past that.