Adoption Essentials - new technology & three missing ingredients to the secret sauce

Adoption Essentials in the technology is not a new game, just a new name. In my 20+ years in the technology industry, I have seen this under several different names. No one likes change and getting users to accept new technology / procedures into their daily work habits is one of the most challenging tasks of any company.

Three important factors tend to be dropped when implementing Adoption Essentials.

1.      Lead by example – Managers/Leaders are looking at stats and asking their teams to use the application. Managers need to show their team that they are using the system. When running reports on usage or dashboards on gamification numbers, the manager’s name should appear on top of at least one of the reports. 

a.      Not all functions are applicable to Managers but at least reviewing information or running reports, they should be on the top of the list.

b.      Employees wonder why they need to adapt if their manager is not adapting.

c.      If the manager can speak of the benefits from experience, it goes a long way compared to just preaching benefits.

2.      Follow through or Fail – Most companies are great at starting these initiatives but as we all know, everyone has more work than hours in the day. Executives, Managers and technologists tend to forget about the initiatives after a few months. 

a.      One key point is to keep end users challenged in using the new system. 

b.      Keep the “rewards’ going if you want to be successful. 

c.      You probably need at least 6 months to ensure user adoption. Then add longer goals after that.  Keep the end users engaged until it becomes a habit.

d.      If you don’t have time to stay engaged, delegate to someone else who needs to follow through.

3.      Listen to the Voice of the End Users – People do not like change and we all know people will complain about change. Good leaders know how to filter the complaining comments from the real issues comments. 

a.      Listen for parts of the application that are not working or need fine-tuning.  Be flexible to small changes where needed.

b.       Make sure you let the user know you understand it is a challenge to change their ways.  People want to feel they have a voice and their management is listening.

c.      Explain and show the users how the new system will benefit them in the end. Do not command them to use the system, let them see the benefits.

These three key points sound simple when put down on paper. In reality, these key factors are often forgotten as new projects appear on the horizon.  

We all want to have successful implementations, let’s ensure we have successful adoption as well!!!