Suppose you need to find a cool technology application to help with a combined staff and volunteer project. You want the software to be free and in the cloud. A perfect solution, right? Check that off the to-do list! But things may not be as simple as they appear. People may balk. And if the technology doesn’t “stick,” it might be viewed as a waste of valuable time. Below are six ways that can help you and others accept and fully implement the technology.
- Goals. Articulate the reasons for implementing the technology. Once stated simply, these can be shared with a variety of people.
- Discussions. Discuss the goals and answer people’s questions.
- Input. As appropriate, while making decisions about the implementation, ask people for their input. Listen.
- Change. Determine the possible disruptions and discomforts; see how they can be addressed. “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” Arnold Bennett
- Expert. Decide upon one person to become the resident expert. Then during implementation others can easily access this person for training and coaching.
- Plan. Build a phased plan that includes training, support, check-ins/ feedback/ adjustments, goal measurements, and timelines.
“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” Steve Jobs
And by the way, these principles are applicable to implementing Lodgepole Property System (:-))