We are an interesting species.

Take exercise, for example. We know that exercise is important for our health but somehow we still don’t make time for it. We have probably consumed enough information on how it benefits us but we still don’t work out.

What we need is not additional knowledge. What we need is a plan to act on what we already know. Because a thought-out plan can be the difference between pressing the snooze button and changing into your workout clothes.

It’s the same with technology. We all know that technology enables a construction business to maintain a competitive advantage. The challenge is how to actually do it.

The good news, here’s how:

#1. Make it a Collaborative Process

Adopting new technology will significantly affect how your employees work and that’s why you need to listen to their input. While they may not have a say on whether or not you purchase new technology, it’s critical to listen to their feedback regarding the specific solution you’re investing in.

By involving your team in the decision-making process, it reduces friction that usually accompanies technology adoption.

#2. Make it Personal

It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the new technology will be used by humans (your staff). This is especially so when the purchase is metrics-driven. In other words, when we fail to humanize data and all that occupies our minds are mere numbers.

Instead, you need to let your employees know why a new tool matters to them and how it will impact their day-to-day work. Explain how it solves their pain points and not just the company’s challenges. By doing so, you will get more value out of a new system.

#3. Design an Implementation Plan

While we naturally resist change, our degree of resistance varies. Simply, your staff’s willingness to embrace new technology will differ.

To explain, there are the innovators who are always seeking fresh ways to complete their work. Again, there is a group that will resist the latest software until they see proof that it works. There are also the laggards who are the last people to adopt a new system.

To cater for these diverse groups, you need to have a concrete plan as it reduces the number of conflicts and also the resistance you will face.

#4. Make Training Enjoyable

People dread boring training sessions. It only makes adoption harder. When a training event is done effectively and in an engaging way, your staff won’t even realize they’re learning and there will be smoother adaptation.

One way to make training enjoyable is by accommodating different learning styles such as by using demos, documents and hands-on opportunities. You could also change scenery and incorporate food to make it interactive. Ultimately, the goal is to do what works best for your team.

#5. Track Progress

It’s important to know how your construction company is responding to the new technology and also which employees are adopting the new system. In other words, by tracking, you will be able to know if the software is working as intended.

You also need to build mechanisms for your team to share feedback as the technology is being implemented. Whether positive or negative, the responses will enable you to make necessary adjustments.

That said...

Can You Do it?

Please remember that change is not always easy and it’s not a one-time event. It’s a process. We've all experienced the same thing as we try to learn a new software.

By incorporating the tips above and sympathising with those struggling with change, you will be on your way to successfully implementing new technology in your construction business.

The result, a productive and profitable enterprise.

And isn’t that what you want?