In today’s fast-paced business environment, leveraging technology to streamline operations and drive revenue is more critical than ever. Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Lewis, an experienced Enterprise Account Manager who has just joined the Ingage team. Lisa shared invaluable insights on successfully adopting new systems and technology within businesses, from early communication strategies to fostering a collaborative culture.
Lisa brings two decades of experience in providing scalable solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently. “I’m passionate about leveraging technology to solve business challenges,” she shares. “I look forward to strategizing with our customers on how Ingage can empower them and their networks to drive revenue growth.”
Early Communication is Key
Lisa emphasizes the importance of early communication about upcoming implementations. “Communicate those changes to all stakeholders through meetings, emails and newsletters,” she advises. Highlighting the benefits and alignment with strategic goals helps build trust and sets the stage for a successful project. This early involvement also aids in identifying potential issues and gathering valuable feedback before the implementation begins.
Involve Key Stakeholders
Creating a cross-functional “change team” is another critical step. “Involve department heads, team leaders, and influential employees willing to act as change champions,” Lisa suggests. Engaging these key stakeholders early helps to identify potential issues and allows for the collection of valuable feedback that can be addressed before the implementation begins.
Address Concerns and Provide SupportAnticipating questions and concerns that employees might have regarding new technology is essential. Lisa recommends offering training sessions, Q&A forums and support resources to ease anxiety and keep morale high throughout the transition. “Consistent and ongoing communication is crucial,” she adds. Regular updates on progress, key milestones and any changes to the plan help reinforce the benefits of the new technology and keep everyone aligned with project goals.
Foster a Collaborative Culture
Utilizing the “change team” you created is essential for successfully implementing any new technology or platform. “This team should include representatives from all departments to ensure diverse perspectives and expertise,” Lisa explains. She also emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative culture, starting from the top. “Encourage team members to share ideas, provide feedback and work together to solve problems,” she says. Regular meetings and quick stand-up sessions can help maintain transparency and accountability.
Adoption in Large, Distributed Companies
For larger companies with distributed networks, Lisa acknowledges unique challenges. “Designing a formal launch plan in advance, including tools for continuous training and touchpoints at 3, 6, and 9 months after launch, is paramount,” she advises. Scheduling e-learning sessions or recorded video trainings and making the new technology launch the highlight of a sales summit can keep the team engaged and motivated. Providing tangible takeaway resources at the launch can maintain momentum once everyone is back in their respective locations.
Criteria for Adopting New Systems
Before adopting a new system, businesses need to assess their existing technology, processes and workflows. “Map all the tools and technologies used in your organization and engage with all departments to gather insights into their daily use,” Lisa recommends. Identifying user friction, analyzing alignment with business objectives and ensuring scalability are essential steps in this process. She also highlights the importance of creating a sandbox environment for testing and training user champions to minimize risks and ensure smooth deployments.
Supporting Employees Post-Launch
Continuous support for employees post-launch maximizes productivity and ensures successful technology adoption. Lisa suggests analyzing user behavior to identify areas of friction and leveraging data-driven insights to improve adoption rates and efficiency. “Showcase early wins and highlight the success of early adopters to create momentum and foster a positive attitude toward new technology implementation,” she concludes.
By following these best practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of technology adoption and drive meaningful outcomes that align with their strategic goals.
Listen to the Ingaged Podcast here or watch the episode on YouTube.
