Leverage of tools matters because the right tools can expand output far beyond what raw effort alone could produce. The multiplier is not only the tool itself, but the fit between the tool, the person using it, and the problem being solved.
It is part of the broader Value Multipliers section.
In My Own Words
The clearest example of tool leverage is knowing when not to use a tool — including the one you were hired for.
Transcript
My name is Michael Orlando and I help people build products with technology. Tool selection ends up being a huge thing. I’ve been hired because I know a tool, and then the team ended up deciding to not use that tool, but they kept me because I knew all the tools — even though they hired me because I knew that one tool. And that’s valid. Hiring me to convince you not to use a tool is a great use of time and money, because it can end up saving a humongous amount of heartache later.
I have guided teams away from using certain tools, and I’ve guided teams towards solving problems in a completely different way. I’ve had clients come in that wanted to build something and wanted me to build it, and I’ve been able to convince them not to hire me to build it — and instead to just use an existing off-the-shelf situation that was way cheaper and solved their need, and they could go to market today. And that’s a positive outcome for me, because I know that they’ll come back later.