You're struggling to convince your team about advanced technology tools. How can you win them over?

Concerns are a byproduct of desired outcomes. Start by addressing the team's goals: What are we trying to achieve? Then, work backwards to identify bottlenecks in the processes or systems. From there, try to identify the most efficient way to alleviate those bottlenecks. Many times, this can be done with technology and should be evaluated over the appropriate time horizon. Ex: If the goal is a multi-year endeavor, then the cost of the considered technology should be forecast across that same time period. Determining the goal(s), and working backwards, are key to making the right decisions.

Empathize First: Start by genuinely listening to your team's concerns about the new technology. Clarify Benefits: Clearly explain how the tools will enhance their roles rather than replace them. Provide Examples: Use relatable scenarios, like how CRM systems can streamline client interactions or how data analytics aids in smarter decision-making. Reassure Continuously: Address fears by emphasizing the role of technology as an enabler, not a threat to their job security. This approach fosters trust and eases the transition to advanced tools.

Involve your team members, who are the end users, early in the product selection process to validate their concerns. Include them in calls with the software vendor, ensuring that each team member or group, based on their roles, has the opportunity to participate in demonstrations. Structure these calls with specific agendas so they can ask relevant questions to the salesperson or software architect. This approach allows them to gain insight into the new tool, and even if they don't agree with the final product choice, they will have some familiarity with it.

Please ensure to ask for their input on the limitations of the current software they are using. Find out if the new software will address these shortcomings. Let them report back to the team. Additionally, make sure they have enough time in their work schedule for training, and emphasize that learning the new software is not expected during non-work hours or weekends.

Training is essential, and employees should be compensated for training required outside of regular work hours, such as weekends or late evenings depending on demand.

Encourage your team by offering prizes or gifts to those who become "Super Users" of the new software. Create new badges of recognition for their efforts in addition to promotions.

I heard a story where a company pitched a software that cost 120k a year and helped automate a ton of processes and pulled in lots of information that was useful to the client. The money they would bring in was going to be in the millions from that work in revenue. They didn't go through with it! Not that it wasn't worth it but they found they could pay a full time guy 40k to do the work and get the same if not better results.

Please make sure that the software is solving a specific problem or filling a need. New and trendy software may not always be the best fit unless it enhances the business. If the software does not add tremendous value, then it may not be worth the trouble.