Getting Staff Buy-In On New Technology
May 11, 2010We are so lucky to live in a time where there are so many new time-saving management tools at our fingertips, but how can you convince your staff to use it so that you can use new technology to its full advantage? Change is difficult for everyone, so here are some tips and getting your staff to buy in to new technology:
Get Staff Input
If your staff does not see value in new technology, they will not use it. Prior to implementing new technology, survey the team and figure out what is needed. What do they find frustrating about completing their job? What tools will help them (and you) achieve your short term and long term goals? When implementing new customer service software, a company I used to work had several members of the customer service team test and evaluate several options before implementing new CSR software. Since the staff felt like they were a part of the decision, they were more determined to make it work.
Training
The best way to train is to have certified trainers come to your place of business and work with the staff over several days. However, many businesses find they can’t afford formal training these days, so sending a team leader for formal training and having that person train the rest of the team can be effective. Be realistic about how long it may take to see results. The staff may get frustrated if you demand results right away. There has to be a period of adjustment.
Be a Leader
As the manager, you should know the software yourself. If you don’t know how to use it, or don’t understand it, the staff will pick up on it. They may get the impression that it is not important to you, and thus, will feel that it shouldn’t be important to them. You may want to attend training sessions with the team lead, or work with the team on their training activities. Actually use the new technology and praise other staff members for using it as well.
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