In order to evolve and grow, all companies must go through change. It’s how companies present these changes that will either lead to success or failure. When implementing bigger changes, such as choosing a new community management software to reduce manual work, a change management strategy must be in place.
Change management is defined as the discipline of leading individuals, teams, and entire organizations through change via a combination of behavioral and social sciences, information technology and business solutions. Today we’re going to cover tips to create a successful change management strategy for implementing, and ultimately getting your team to properly use a new software platform.
1). Understand Your Goal
It’s important that you understand and can explain what this change aims to achieve. You need to understand why it’s worth the time and effort of having everyone in your organization learn how to use a new software platform. Be sure to have a clear vision of the end-state to help get everyone onboard and moving in the right direction. This will require you to understand the benefits this software will provide employees when they take the time to use it properly.
2). Identify Stakeholders
You must identify and approach team members who will be most impacted by this change, which will be those using the software on a daily basis. Be sure these people are in the know early on so this change isn’t sprung on them last minute. Work with these people long before the go-live date to answer questions, hear concerns, and help them fully embrace the change.
3). Over Communicate
It’s vital that you share the goal with your entire company so that everyone understands the importance of properly learning and utilizing the new software, rather than simply being told there’s a new tool they must use. Share the benefits and help the entire company understand the life-changing efficiencies the software can provide, and how that will better employees lives. Make sure you communicate this information through different mediums, including all team meetings, emails, in-person trainings, daily tips, and so on.
4). Create Realistic Timelines
Big changes don’t happen overnight. When implementing software, for example, employees need to understand how this tool will impact their role, their residents, and the company as a whole, which will take time. Be reasonable with your expectations. By creating a realistic timeline for implementation, your chances of success will increase significantly.
5). Tie Back to Performance Goals
The best way to ensure your team members are using the software is by tying adoption back to performance goals. Relating to our last point, create a timeline of goals to slowly roll out the software for everyone who will be using it. An example of that would be:
- Complete onboarding training by X date
- Have every employee setup their account and login by X date
- Have Y% of residents signed up on the platform by X date
- Have Y% of residents using online payments by X date
- Aim to send Y number of communications via the software by X date
Setting these clear goals for employees will motivate them to take the time to use the software, especially knowing that they’ll be held accountable for doing so.
Are you in need of new community management software? Download your copy of our free guide, 7 Signs it’s Time for New Software, to help you decide if you’re in need of a better solution!
