How do we get people to embrace a change and complete our three-legged stool for success (technology, processes and people)?
Here are some suggestions. There is no formula that will guarantee a win.
Think of the following as ways to increase the odds of a positive technology implementation outcome.
- Involve the whole team in the decision process. This increases their buy-in that will be necessary during implementation.
- Communicate the vision for what the technology will bring to the practice. Will it increase efficiency, improve profitability, better morale, attract new patients?
- Encourage feedback at every stage of the process. Don’t let a “people” problem go undiagnosed.
- Change may temporarily decrease work efficiency, if this is not planned for it will increase stress and the change will be blamed.
- Introduce changes incrementally, whenever possible. This is easier on your team and offers an opportunity to more easily fine tune the implementation.
- Make sure your team is adequately trained. This will increase acceptance and alleviates their fear.
If new technology acceptance becomes a people problem, it could be because the people lack either willingness or ability.
You will find that items 1 through 4, above, address willingness while items 5 and 6 address ability.
People problems can also creep in from another direction; your patients. Recognize whether the technology change is going to impact this group and if so, you will need to incorporate a marketing effort that will advise them of the change and how it will benefit them.
Having your team willingly embrace a new technology implementation will always be a right click.
Next week we’ll look at the technology component and how to be sure you’re making the right technology choice.
