Change can be a big task within an organization and even more so if most of your worker's arent in the office. Some parts take more planning than others and each part takes time to implement. Implementing new software is always a big change and there is a big difference for those involved, from who make the decision to those who use the software. These changes don't always get fed from the top to the bottom in full scope leaving those using the systems to fall in line with the new way things are done and try to understand the reasons for new systems being implemented.
You need to nurture change within a business
New software can not only increase the efficiency of your remote workforce but increase the productivity if implemented correctly in turn, enhancing the customer and users experiences. Change is hard to implement, making sure it is done correctly is essential. Within this article, you will find the steps needed to increase your odds of change implementation.
1. Plan Your Change
One of the most important and vital documents of implementing change include a Change Management Program. You need to nurture change within a business and keeping everyone on the same page, it is core to change taking hold.
A ‘Change Management Program’ needs to be a multi-step plan that defines everything from the scope of the project, costs, resources, targets, incentives and metrics of success. Providing all this information at the forefront will ensure that the changes implemented are not met with surprise and resistance.
Celebrating achievements is not only motivational but lets you realize that achievements are being made
2. Lead by Example, Be Your Change!
If you want to make a change you need to be that change. Have your team onboard and ensure the change is being taken on with open arms to at every stage. The level of implementation upon your company will, of course, determine the team size you need but, engage managers and supervisors who can be effective and know understand the processes you need to change. In order to truly mobilize key partners implementing change, provide them with the training, tools, and support that they need in their area of responsibility.
3. Overconversate & Reinforce
Most implementations fail due to the lack of knowledge from the guys having to make the changes. Overconversate the need for the change, the reasons for implementation and the key factors to be achieved by doing so. Keep key decision makers and managers informed of all stages giving them enough notice and plenty of time to prepare for these changes, digest information or set up goals and achievements to effectively make the changes needed. The earlier you engage with them, the more time they have to get on board with the changes.
4. Celebrate Achievements & Milestones
It's the little things that matter. Celebrating achievements is not only motivational to employees but lets you realize that achievements are being made and recognizing your implementation is being adopted. Appreciating achievements demonstrates how your new software will, or already has, made work life easier, and recognize the success of those involved.
5. Gather Feedback and Refine
Feedback from those involved is vital to a software rollout. You need to know directly from those that are having to implement the change, building measurement and feedback into your initial plan is key, all ideas may seem to work on paper but in the real world is always a different matter.
Refinement of processes is inevitable and will always occur but making sure you have this information at the right stages will ensure you plan is relevant for the complete roll out and not just a small part.
6. Be Change Ready
Ensuring you are ready for your staff to change means you need to do more than draw a detailed plan. It’s important to ensure employees know they will receive training and have dedicated members of their team tasked with dealing with the issues that arise. Offering training so they learn the skills and knowledge needed to operate efficiently is key, don’t bombard them with lengthy training workshops before they understand and agree with your vision but let them know and provide enough knowledge to them, where they can ask questions and get the information they need. Bombarding a new idea on an existing workforce will create rifts before you have even started.
Introducing new systems into an established team is always going to produce struggles. Having a detailed plan and each key player in the onboard, it will always increase your chances of implementing and setting the standards for your new processes. Listening to feedback, offering support and developing your plan is key to having a smooth rollout and reducing resistance with the implementation.
Lean on celebrating achievements and milestones to create a sense of belonging. Providing periodical insight, vision and value of the change will only onboard employees more but let them feel they are involved too. In fact, they are the machine behind your change and the most important part, providing clarity and understanding is one of the best tools you have. Following some of these simple steps will only increase your chances of having a smooth rollout guaranteeing your team is on board with you throughout your decision.