Here’s are several excerpts from an informative article by Darren Dahl, Trust Me: You’re Going to Love This:
When it comes to instituting new technical systems, up to 70 percent of IT projects wind up as flops, according to Forrester Research.
In many cases, the new systems — whether hardware, software, or Web-based applications — sit idle because employees either find them too difficult to use or simply refuse to try.
“IT projects fail not because of the technology but because human beings resist change and uncertainty,” says Moez Limayem, who chairs the information systems department at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.
Here are a few ways to get your employees on board with your next upgrade:
Work From the Bottom Up
The most common mistake in implementing new technology occurs when the selection comes solely from the top, says Stephen Andriole, a former chief technical officer who teaches business technology management and corporate strategy at Villanova University’s business school. Employees bristle at being force-fed new ways to do their jobs, especially if the technology is difficult to use and actually makes those jobs harder in the short term.
Invest in Training
Another mistake companies make is skimping on training, says Patrick Gray, president of Prevoyance Group, a Fort Hill, South Carolina, consulting firm that specializes in IT strategy. “The more training employees receive,” he says, “the greater the chances that the project will be a success.”
Create Incentives
Often, business owners don’t give employees enough motivation to use the new systems. “Simply saying, ‘The company will be better off if we do this’ just doesn’t cut it,” says Limayem. He suggests stronger incentives: making a salesperson’s commission tied to his or her use of the new CRM system or giving bonuses for completing training programs.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips! I am a big believer in training and creating incentives. With the proper training, users will get familiar and comfortable with the new system. If adopting new technology will benefit the company, then why not let it benefit the users (employees), too?
I have to agree with Anh. Using new systems or technology shouldn\’t be a burden or hassle for users as well as management, but their should be something to motivate the users to see how this will benefit them. Once they see the benefits, it begins to be something they enjoy using and also begin to understand its purpose..