What do you do if you encounter resistance from community members when implementing new technology?

1 Understand the reasons

The first step is to understand why some community members are resistant to the new technology. Is it because they lack the skills, resources, or access to use it? Is it because they have different preferences, values, or goals than you? Is it because they fear losing their autonomy, influence, or identity? By listening to their concerns and perspectives, you can empathize with them and identify the root causes of their resistance.

2 Communicate the benefits

The next step is to communicate the benefits of the new technology for the community and its members. How will it help them achieve their desired outcomes, solve their problems, or satisfy their needs? How will it enhance their participation, collaboration, or empowerment? How will it align with their values, interests, or aspirations? By highlighting the positive aspects of the new technology, you can motivate them to embrace it and see it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

3 Involve them in the process

The third step is to involve them in the process of implementing the new technology. How can you solicit their feedback, input, or suggestions on how to use, adapt, or improve it? How can you train, support, or mentor them to develop their skills, confidence, or comfort with it? How can you recognize, reward, or celebrate their achievements, contributions, or improvements with it? By engaging them in the process, you can build trust, rapport, and ownership with them and make them feel valued and respected.

4 Address the challenges

The fourth step is to address the challenges that may arise from implementing the new technology. What are the potential risks, drawbacks, or limitations of it? How can you mitigate, prevent, or resolve them? How can you cope, adapt, or learn from them? How can you provide feedback, guidance, or assistance to those who struggle, fail, or make mistakes with it? By acknowledging and tackling the challenges, you can demonstrate your commitment, responsibility, and accountability to the community and its members.

5 Model the behavior

The fifth step is to model the behavior that you want to see from the community members. How can you use the new technology effectively, efficiently, and ethically? How can you showcase your results, outcomes, or impacts with it? How can you share your experiences, insights, or lessons with it? How can you inspire, influence, or encourage others to follow your example? By modeling the behavior, you can set the standards, expectations, and norms for the community and its members.

6 Respect the diversity

The final step is to respect the diversity of the community and its members. How can you acknowledge, appreciate, or celebrate the different opinions, perspectives, or preferences that they have? How can you accommodate, compromise, or negotiate with them when there are conflicts, disagreements, or misunderstandings? How can you foster a culture of openness, inclusiveness, and respect among them? By respecting the diversity, you can create a sense of belonging, unity, and harmony in the community and its members.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?