What Makes for Successful PM Software Onboarding?
Being a good manager requires you to introduce change with as little stress for employees as possible. Naturally, you can’t fully predict your employees’ reaction to new software. But there are some steps you can take to prepare people :
- Plan the process well
- Communicate effectively
- Be available for requests
- Give follow-ups
- Listen to demands and expectations
Most people prefer predictability and stability in both their personal and professional lives. They’re concerned about change because it has a direct impact on their work. These are some of the questions you should be able to answer before introducing a change:
- What value will this technology bring to the company?
- What work challenges will the new system solve?
- What benefits will this PM tool provide for my team?
- How can I properly communicate the change?
- What will it take to make this adoption successful?
- Who will resist the most?
When looking for a new PM system, look for a software vendor that has experience successfully onboarding teams and can provide support as you implement the new software. Let’s take a look at the software adoption steps our team has highlighted as the most important.
Project Management Software Adoption Checklist
1. Explain the Value of the New Software
Setting up software may be a challenge if employees don’t see its value and the difference it can make in their work. What’s the best way to show the improvements that new tech will bring?
2. Walk the Team Through the Software
Even if you choose an easy-to-use software, you still need to walk your team through possible use cases. In her article for the Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger points out that people resist change because they’re scared of making a mistake. With the old system, they know how to do their job well even if the software is inefficient. You should show your employees how they’ll be doing their job with the new technology and how it fits their current workflow.
3. Find Your Inner Software Adopters
Teams usually prefer sticking to the old way of project management even when they know that new software might make things easier. According to PwC, 49% of employees still are not open to innovative digital technologies. Everyone is different in the way they adjust to changes, which is why all employees react differently to new software. You should first focus on the people that are good at adapting to change and only later on the ones who aren’t.
4. Encourage Employees to Use the Software
Once your new software is implemented and you feel good about the level of training provided, your biggest challenge will simply be making sure people routinely use the technology the way it’s meant to be used.
5. Share Your Experience with Your Software Vendor
Effective two-way communication helps you with technology adoption. They become more committed and engaged with the work they do. You should be attentive to the feedback they provide on the new system and give it to your software vendor so they can make further improvements.
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