Welcome to this month’s issue of Quick Tips, the segment where we aim to provide actionable solutions to pressing business problems in a crisp, concise manner. Today, following up on last week’s Two for One, where we dealt with Robot Process Automation, we delve deeper into Change Management, specifically change management for automation practices being introduced to your organization.
Adopting automation isn’t merely about implementing a tool or software; it fundamentally shifts how tasks are approached and achieved. It’s vital to understand that the success of this transition largely hinges on how smoothly people adapt to the new paradigm. This problem is often referred to as “boiling the frog.” If your automation drive seems to be hitting some roadblocks, especially due to human factors, consider the following tips:
Every digital transition necessitates employee training. However, the key is to do it efficiently and effectively. The Train The Trainer approach could be your answer. By nurturing in-house experts who further impart knowledge to their peers, you not only cut down training costs but also foster an environment where learning is ongoing and ingrained.
Harnessing diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking solutions. This is the rationale behind cross-functional teams. Especially during pivotal shifts like process automation, multi-disciplinary teams can spot opportunities and pitfalls that might go unnoticed in siloed setups.
Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns, asking questions, or suggesting improvements can greatly smoothen the transition. Regular town hall meetings or feedback sessions can be instrumental in dispelling myths and addressing apprehensions about automation.
A journey to full-fledged automation can be long and punctuated with challenges. Celebrating minor milestones not only keeps morale high but also gives a tangible sense of progress to everyone. Be it a successfully automated department process or just a week without system glitches; take time to acknowledge and appreciate the progress.
When leadership is visibly involved and invested in the change, it sends a powerful message about the importance of the shift. Their commitment and empathy with the challenges change brings can motivate teams and reinforce the significance of adopting automation for the organization’s future success.
Change is as much about the journey as the destination. Recall our earlier analogy of “boiling the frog” – making gradual, well-communicated changes can be much more effective than sudden, sweeping ones. The idea is to keep everyone on board and move forward, ensuring no one feels overwhelmed or left behind.
Here’s to smart, effective, and humane automation. Until next time, keep innovating!