Introducing new technology to your staff is essential if you are going to leverage the benefits of those new platforms. Recently, the business world you and I share has been turned upside down. As a result, new technology has been implemented quickly. There are so many new security and platforms to trade on. Most importantly, entirely new ways of communicating with your team are now on offer. This will allow them to work effectively for you, even if they are working remotely.
The need to reinvent your business has never been higher. You need to find new ways to adopt new tools and work in new places. Getting your tech right is essential, and I’m sure that’s where a lot of your focus has been in your planning.
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people” Steve Jobs
But this is not the only thing you need for success. You see, there’s this funny little thing called the human experience. You need to make sure that even though you’ve got amazing remote technology, the humans working in these environments are clear about how they can work in their day today. Your staff need to be reminded of how valuable they are to your company.
The only way your technology changes will stick is if you can effectively “plug the humans in” to those changes.
So today we are going to look at the most effective ways for you to be introducing new technology to your staff. As a result, you’ll be able to connect the humans in your business with the tech systems you’ve been building.
CLEARLY DEFINED AIMS:
Do the people in your company know very clearly about what you’re trying to achieve? Are they aware of how these changes have affected your operations? Do they know how you’re planning to achieve them? Make sure there are no assumptions around this area. If you’re not sure, or if you just want to check-in, ask them. Set up a meeting with your team and make that connection. Clarifying your aims is very important.
CONNECTION & RAPPORT:
Don’t give up on connection and rapport because people need to feel valuable. They need to feel special, they need to feel connected. This will make it easier for them to get going with the new platforms and tools you’ve been building. Your business might be pushing through to new levels of success. Fabulous! The only way you’re going to sustain this growth over the long term is if you make work enjoyable for your team.
TRAINING IN NEW TECH:
Your team will need very specific training in the new technology you’ve been rolling out. Don’t assume they will just figure it out. Yes, you’re probably feeling stretched. You’ve probably been very time poor, but double back. Make sure all your people know how to use the tools you’ve been setting up. That way you’ll all be able to use them more strategically.
ACCOUNTABILITY & SUPPORT:
You also need to make sure you are maintaining accountability and support. In your move to new remote work, there’s a lot more flexibility. This remoteness may sometimes lead to losing touch a little. Make an effort to make sure that your people are getting the support they need. They need to get acknowledged or even rewarded when they do great work as well.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & PRAISE:
Plug the humans into your systems, and acknowledge them for their successes. When they’re doing great work let them know! Send them a little prize, and give them some positive feedback. If you’re working remotely, it could be as simple as a little chat to say how much you’ve noticed their hard work. Show them you appreciate it. Post a small gift or card in the mail. Everyone in your team will appreciate being recognised for their efforts.
Introducing new technology to your staff doesn’t have to be painful. When your team is working with new tools they need to be clear about how to make the changes stick. So take a look around your new business landscape to ensure you have these things in place. When you help the humans in your business fit with your new technology, success is sure to follow.
