January 23, 2007

Help your leaders tame technology

Are leaders in your organization tentative about using new technology? Do they resist your efforts to introduce them to the latest technology to more effectively communicate key messages to employees? Do words like video conference, webcast, blog or wiki cause eyes to glaze over in the executive suite? If you find yourself nodding yes to any of these questions, then these quick tips can help you turn your leaders into technology tamers!

How do you overcome resistance to technology?

1. Do your homework. The first thing to do to get your leaders more comfortable with technology is your homework. As Sgt. Joe Friday (Dragnet) would say, “Just the facts, ma'am.” If you do your due diligence and show your leaders concrete proof that technology can help them improve the way they communicate to employees—hence improve productivity and results—they'll start to listen. Do focus groups or employee surveys to gather feedback to share with your leaders.
   
   
2. Use the demographics of your employee base to help sell your suggestion. For example:
   • more than 40% of your sales force may be 35-years old or younger
   • the majority of your workforce may be women
   • employees work different shifts
   It is important to deliver the message in a way that resonates with your employees
   
   
3. Clearly communicate why you've chosen a particular channel, and the benefits to using that channel. For example, if you work for a global company where employees are in different time zones, doing a web video is an excellent, cost-efficient way to allow all employees to access the message. Another example would be using global voicemail with a message from the CEO—a more personal way than e-mail, to reach out to every employee.
   
   
4. Create a safe environment to help leaders get more comfortable using the new technology. An effective way to manage a behavior change is to employ a consultant to handle the training at an offsite, neutral location. Always anticipate your leader's particular style and schedule, and design the session to fit that schedule. Keep it as “short and sweet” as possible. Don't create circuit overload by trying to do too much at once. Start at the shallow end of the pool.
   

For assistance with helping your leaders communicate more effectively, contact Matthew Davis at:

1.877.399.5100 (Toll-free in the U.S.)
1.201.445.5100