Getting your team on board with new tech is stressful; no one likes change! But new tech can help make processes run smoother and their job easier. So how do you get everyone on the same page?
With the right approach, you can avoid friction and ensure a smooth transition. In today’s blog post, we will provide eight tips for how you can implement new tech without causing disruption or pushback.
Getting your team on board with new tech is stressful; no one likes change! But new tech can help make processes run smoother and their job easier. So how do you get everyone on the same page?
With the right approach, you can avoid friction and ensure a smooth transition. In today’s blog post, we will provide eight tips for how you can implement new tech without causing disruption or pushback.
Summary
First, involve employees early to get them invested and guide feature selection. Second, conduct user testing with the team to identify issues early. Third, start with an MVP and scale up down the road. Fourth, communicate effectively about the new technology. Fifth, provide proper training and support. Sixth, highlight benefits such as increased efficiency and collaboration. Seventh, encourage team members to share their thoughts and ideas. Finally, approach the process with a positive mindset for success.
Get Employees Involved Early
One of the most effective ways to get your team on board with new technology is to involve them in the process from the beginning. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable with a decision if you helped make it?
A way to do this is to have their input on what features to include in the new system. Not only will they be more invested in the success of the project, but the features they choose will be features that will actually help them.
Test ASAP
User testing is critical when adopting new technology. You can’t be sure a system will work as intended without double-checking it first. That’s true for every project, but how can you use user testing to avoid pushback? Simple: have your team members be the testers.
By getting their feedback on an early version of the product, you can make changes now to ensure the system is easy to understand. It also gives your team the space and freedom to give their honest opinion. No one likes to be negative, but it’s necessary to know what works and (more importantly) what doesn’t before it’s too late.
Start with an MVP
You may have heard the phrase Big things have small beginnings. This is absolutely true when it comes to building tech; starting ‘small’ with an MVP can set you up for success down the road. To bring it back to the purpose of this blog: having an MVP as your starting point is a great way to get input before implementing some more ‘controversial’ ideas.
One option is to launch your MVP with a pilot project or a small team and gauge the success of the new technology. Once you’ve worked out any issues, you can then scale up to the entire team. By starting small, you can minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother transition.
Let everyone know what’s going on
No one likes to be left out: whether it’s kickball in school or new projects at work, we all want to feel like we’re on the team. So when it comes to adopting new technology, communication is key.
Let everyone know about the game plan as early as possible, and make sure your team knows what’s coming. Be clear about what the new tech is, how it will work, and why you’re switching now. This way, they can understand the benefits and be prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Training and Support
Don’t leave your team in a boat with no paddles! You mean well with proving your team with new tools, but they need to know how to use those tools effectively. The good news is that if you put in the effort up front to focus on simplicity, this step should be minimal.
Training could be as simple as showing a demo of the product and how to use it. If your system is more complex and has multiple roles, you may want to create an onboarding wizard of some kind. This lets each team member learn at their own pace, while not adding to your tech team’s plate.
Talk About How It’ll Help
This is a tip that you should follow from the idea stage all the way through delivery. When talking about the product, you want to focus not just on why or how you’re bringing in new technology, but also on what the benefit for each person will be.
Make sure you’re highlighting the benefits of the new technology, such as increased efficiency, better collaboration, and a boost in morale. When team members see the value, they’re more likely to get on board.
Make It a Group Effort
Think of your team itself: each team member has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Everyone may follow the same basic process of completing a task, but they each have their own ways of getting things done that work best for them.
Encourage your team to share their thoughts and ideas on what makes sense to build from their personal perspective, and give them a space where they feel comfortable being honest. This approach makes the adoption of new tech a group effort, and team members feel like they are leading the way instead of just being along for the ride.
Positive Mindset
Finally, it’s essential to approach the adoption of new technology with a positive mindset. Would you trust something new if the person pitching it to you didn’t sound confident in its success? While it can feel like the team is connected when bashing something together, you don’t want to build community at the expense of your new tech.
Sharing excitement about the positive changes that come with new tech can help team members start with a positive outlook. On the other hand, a negative mindset can set you on the path to dismissiveness and resistance.
Conclusion
Adopting new technology can be a challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these eight tips, you can ensure a smoother transition and avoid friction. Get employees involved early, test ASAP, start with an MVP, communicate effectively, provide training and support, talk about the benefits, make it a group effort, and approach the process with a positive mindset.
With these tips, you can adopt new technology with ease and set your team up for success!
