Business owners often make technology investments in a vacuum. You look at the metrics, you see the potential return on investment, and you purchase the platform. Two months later, everyone is still quietly reverting back to their old spreadsheets. You might want to mandate the new software and lock down the old files, but mandating the platform is not the core issue. The problem is that your team does not see the tool as a way to make their workdays easier.
Your users are the people actually doing the work. One thing is repeatedly true: if you treat them as just another company asset instead of human beings, they aren't going to perform well. They certainly aren't going to adopt your new system willingly. When you face opposition to a new technology investment, it is rarely because your staff is fundamentally stubborn. Usually, the technology is introduced as an interruption instead of an invitation to a better workday.
Applying This to Your Company
If you are getting pushback on a new piece of technology, or if you are gearing up for a rollout and want to avoid the resistance altogether, here is how you can get your team on board.
Bring Employees into the Conversation Early
Don't just spring a new system, process, or application on your team. Ask them what part of their day is the most frustrating. If the new investment solves that specific problem, they will embrace it.
Focus on What They Can Do, Not the Technical Specs.
Very few people get excited over technology these days. Your staff doesn't care about the backend integrations, the reporting metrics, or the server RAM. You have to get them excited about how this new tool will save them an hour of data entry and make their workday easier.
Give Them Room to Learn
Handing over a new application with a link to a generic tutorial isn't training. Empower your staff with technology by giving them the actual tools and paid time they need to do great work, but don't micromanage every little click while they figure it out.
Look at What You Already Own
Throwing money at a problem isn't always the answer. Even if you get a great deal from a vendor promotion, sometimes, you don't even need a new investment. It is just a matter of using the technology you already have in better, more effective ways.
Your best employee is paying attention to how these rollouts happen. If you force clunky, confusing, or poorly explained technology into their workflow, they will quite frequently start checking out. You just won't notice right away because they are still showing up and doing the work.
If you need help evaluating your next IT investment, or just want advice on how to get your team on board with the tools you already have, give us a call today at (604) 513-9428.
