Last updated on Aug 14, 2024

You're facing pushback from senior team members on a new collaboration platform. How do you win them over?

Introducing new collaboration tools can often meet resistance, especially from senior team members accustomed to established workflows. Your challenge is to navigate this pushback with tact and strategy, turning skeptics into advocates. Understanding their concerns, demonstrating value, and fostering a supportive environment are key to winning them over. As you facilitate this transition, remember that patience and clear communication are your allies in achieving a cohesive and forward-thinking team dynamic.

1 Listen First

When you encounter resistance, start by actively listening to your senior team members' concerns. This shows respect for their experience and acknowledges that their input is valuable. Ask open-ended questions to understand the root of their hesitation. Is it a fear of the unknown, a lack of understanding of the new system's benefits, or simply a preference for the status quo? Once you've identified the reasons for their pushback, you can address these issues directly with empathy and information.

Add your perspective

Noelia Lerda

Leaders and Management Teams Development Coach and Facilitator
Report contribution
Tener una conversación abierta para conocer sus preocupaciones puede proporcionar la perspectiva necesaria para abordarlas de manera efectiva. Hay que practicar la escucha activa entrenada porque no siempre las personas dicen todo lo que piensan y sienten, hay que poder averiguar cuáles son las preocupaciones subyacentes de la resistencia, lo que no están diciendo.

Translated

Like

2 Demonstrate Value

To win over your senior team members, clearly demonstrate how the new collaboration platform will benefit them personally and professionally. Highlight features that will make their work easier, such as improved communication channels or streamlined project management. Use real-life scenarios to show the potential for increased efficiency and productivity. When they see the tangible benefits, they may become more open to embracing the change.

Add your perspective

Noelia Lerda

Leaders and Management Teams Development Coach and Facilitator
Report contribution
Es una especie de "venta" lo que se necesita hacer. Empezar por destacar los beneficios tanto para la persona como para su equipo y la empresa. No entrar en los detalles técnicos del cómo hasta haber transmitido el qué de un modo apropiado.

Translated

Like

3 Provide Training

A common barrier to adopting new technology is the fear of a steep learning curve. Offer comprehensive training sessions tailored to different learning styles and paces. Ensure that everyone feels comfortable with the platform before fully integrating it into your workflow. By providing the necessary support and resources, you'll help alleviate fears and build confidence in using the new tool.

Add your perspective

Noelia Lerda

Leaders and Management Teams Development Coach and Facilitator
Report contribution
Involucrar a los miembros sénior en el proceso de implementación de la nueva plataforma les da un sentido de propiedad y control. Pídeles sus opiniones sobre cómo la herramienta podría integrarse mejor en el flujo de trabajo existente, y toma en cuenta sus sugerencias. Deben sentir que su experiencia y conocimientos son valorados, incluso al momento de tomar decisiones y definiciones, para que sea más probable que se comprometan con la nueva tecnología.

Translated

Like

4 Encourage Champions

Identify early adopters within your senior team who are enthusiastic about the new platform. Encourage them to become champions who can share their positive experiences and tips with their peers. Peer influence can be a powerful motivator for change, as senior team members may be more inclined to listen to colleagues they respect and trust.

Add your perspective

5 Adjust Gradually

Implement the new collaboration platform gradually to give your team time to adapt. Start by integrating it into a few key areas before rolling it out fully. This phased approach allows for adjustments based on feedback and helps prevent overwhelm. It also demonstrates your willingness to take the team's comfort and readiness into account, which can help build goodwill.

Add your perspective

6 Feedback Loop

Finally, establish a feedback loop where senior team members can voice their thoughts and concerns about the new platform as they use it. This not only provides you with valuable insights for improving the experience but also makes them feel heard and involved in the process. Address feedback promptly and make visible changes when necessary to show that their opinions genuinely impact the integration of the new tool.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

You're facing pushback from senior team members on a new collaboration platform. How do you win them over?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Demonstrate Value

3 Provide Training

4 Encourage Champions

5 Adjust Gradually

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Team Facilitation

More relevant reading

You're facing pushback from senior team members on a new collaboration platform. How do you win them over?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Demonstrate Value

3 Provide Training

4 Encourage Champions

5 Adjust Gradually

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills