Get Buy-In for Your New Process with This Guide for Adult Learners

Often, we find ourselves spending so much time on writing and re-writing these intricate processes that we forget about the individuals that will be upholding them. Being mindful of those doing the work and their buy-in to the new process is key in its implementation, allowing for:

• Increased adoption & implementation
• Encouraged participation & engagement
• Accountability & ownership
• Improved communication & collaboration

Taking this a step further, in creating buy-in, we need to present information to adults in the way that they are most comfortable consuming it.

It's difficult to buy-in to things that we don't easily comprehend, and by catering to the various principles of adult learning theory, we can ensure greater buy-in, which in turn increases our chances of processes being followed as intended.

Step 1: Different people means different learning styles.

This step is in line with the adult learning theory, which states that adult learners have different learning styles and preferences. By now, we all know that we consume and learn information in different ways. By identifying the different learning styles of your team members, you can tailor the presentation of the new process to better suit their needs in a way that is more comprehensive to them.

Step 2: Connect the new process to a common goal or objective.

The adult learning theory emphasizes that adults need to see the relevance of the new learning to their lives and work. By connecting the new process to a shared goal or objective, you can help your team members understand the purpose of the new process and how it can benefit them. Create multiple examples in different formats - visuals, lists, video, etc.,- that provide different learners with the ability to see how their jobs will be positively impacted.

Step 3: Explain the benefits of the new process.

This step aligns with the adult learning theory's principle of problem-centeredness. Adult learners need to know how the new process will help solve a problem or address a need not only within the organization, but specifically for them. By highlighting the benefits of the new process, you can help your team members see how it can help them be more effective and efficient.

Step 4: Use interactive methods to present the new process.

Within Adult learning theory, we learn the principles of active participation and experiential learning. Adult learners need to be actively engaged in the learning process, and interactive methods like group activities and role-playing exercises can help reinforce the new process and make it more memorable. Come up with various activities that can fold the team member into the new process.

Step 5: Encourage feedback and address concerns.

Adult learners need to feel empowered and in control of their learning. Encouraging feedback and addressing concerns can help your team members feel heard and valued, and can help ensure that they are comfortable with the new process. This will also assist in building trust with the team members performing the work of the process, and by building trust, we can create space for them to feel comfortable in sharing their feedback to create better iterations of the process.

Step 6: Training's not a "One & Done".

Adult learning theory emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and ongoing development. By providing ongoing training and support for team members, you can help them continue to improve their skills and knowledge, and ensure that they are using the new process correctly. This again builds trust and allows for their engagement & feedback toward building a better process in the future.

Overall, the step-by-step guide aligns well with the principles of the adult learning theory, which emphasizes the importance of relevance, active participation, problem-centeredness, self-direction, and ongoing development. By following this guide, you can create buy-in for a new process within your team that is effective and engaging for adult learners of different types.

The next time you write a process, be sure to incorporate the following 6 steps to ensure buy-in is created among the team performing the process.

Kirsten Ebey PMP MSIA?is the Owner and Principal Project Manager at?Path to Summit LLC, a virtual project management firm that focuses on everything and anything project management related. For more information on how Path to Summit can provide you and your team with PM expertise, check out the?website. For tutorials, tips & tricks within project management, check ‘em out on?YouTube.?