Communication Is Key
As with all change management, communication is a key to successfully introducing new technology. Communication takes many forms:
Inform
Be transparent and keep the whole staff informed about upcoming technology, workflow, and process changes. Keep communication in mind from the early stages of the planning process and share information whenever you can. Provide resources where interested employees can find out more and let people know when and how they will be able to participate in the process and share their thoughts. This will help set expectations and let employees mentally prepare for the transition.
Listen
At all points in the process, seek information and opinions from all staff members, and really pay attention to what everyone has to say. Resist the temptation to jump in and try to “correct”—be in listening mode. Make sure to show openness to negative feedback as well as positive and to acknowledge concerns and take them seriously. This will help you gather valuable information. It will also let staff know that you care what they think.
Discuss
Get broad involvement in technology decisions. Ask for opinions about the pros and cons of switching to a new system: how would a new system be better than the old one? Would a proposed new system carry over the positives of the old system? Does the new system seem easy or difficult to understand and use?
Inspire
Enthusiasm is infectious. Be honest, acknowledge issues, and don't minimize employee concerns, but be a voice for the positive whenever you can. Even if you are spending a lot of time troubleshooting problems with the new technology, try to focus on the upside in your own mind. Think long term, and get employees excited about the potential for better outcomes with the new technology.
Support
Be a resource for your staff, especially those who may be struggling or need extra help. Help employees recover from mistakes and keep them in perspective, and emphasize successes to help everyone build confidence. Connect those who may need more training or IT support with additional resources as needed.Inform
Be transparent and keep the whole staff informed about upcoming technology, workflow, and process changes. Keep communication in mind from the early stages of the planning process and share information whenever you can. Provide resources where interested employees can find out more and let people know when and how they will be able to participate in the process and share their thoughts. This will help set expectations and let employees mentally prepare for the transition.
Listen
At all points in the process, seek information and opinions from all staff members, and really pay attention to what everyone has to say. Resist the temptation to jump in and try to “correct”—be in listening mode. Make sure to show openness to negative feedback as well as positive and to acknowledge concerns and take them seriously. This will help you gather valuable information. It will also let staff know that you care what they think.
Discuss
Get broad involvement in technology decisions. Ask for opinions about the pros and cons of switching to a new system: how would a new system be better than the old one? Would a proposed new system carry over the positives of the old system? Does the new system seem easy or difficult to understand and use?
Inspire
Enthusiasm is infectious. Be honest, acknowledge issues, and don't minimize employee concerns, but be a voice for the positive whenever you can. Even if you are spending a lot of time troubleshooting problems with the new technology, try to focus on the upside in your own mind. Think long term, and get employees excited about the potential for better outcomes with the new technology.
Support
Be a resource for your staff, especially those who may be struggling or need extra help. Help employees recover from mistakes and keep them in perspective, and emphasize successes to help everyone build confidence. Connect those who may need more training or IT support with additional resources as needed.
