4 Tips to Get Through Technology Changes!
Technology is constantly changing! While some people embrace technology staying up to date with all the latest devices, systems, and apps, others are less adventurous and would prefer to stick with their tried-and-true devices, i.e., flip phone, only to upgrade when forced. Whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, technology is ingrained in our daily lives. So whichever end of the love/hate spectrum you fall into, you can better prepare for the inevitable technology changes by practicing these tips:
1. Don’t Get Comfortable
You’re crushing your job and have a workflow down that let you accomplish everything with skill and efficiency! Just when you're in the zone, a new software application is release or there's an update that throws you back into hunt and click mode costing you efficiency and confidence. Hardware and software applications are continuously updated to address security concerns, consumer requests, and changes in business practices, among other reasons. Often the updates make it easier to perform your job and allow you to serve your clients better. However, sometimes the updates seem arbitrary and counterproductive which can lead a mellow person into a major meltdown. When technology changes come, realize it's going to be uncomfortable! You will have to step outside your comfort zone. You will have to access a new workflow to get back to prime efficiency. But that’s where progress happens. And progress benefits you, your firm, and your clients.
2. Get Trained and Communicate
When new or updated technology is acquired, a good training strategy must be considered. Nothing depletes morale quicker than the frustration that comes with not knowing how to do what you're used to doing with your eyes closed. Good training alleviates frustration and hedges productivity losses during a technology transition.
A good training strategy also addresses the number one question: “Why are we doing this?” It’s important to communicate the purpose and benefits of the new technology, as well as any firm policies relating to it. Having an awareness of what’s changing and why it’s changing makes technology more attractive to those who are using it.
3. Ask For and Give Help
Once training is complete, a good help system will hasten the acceptance and use of technology. I’ve often seen attorneys and assistants spend an hour trying to figure out how to do something that only took a few seconds once they asked how to do it. While I highly recommend, subscribing to my On-Demand Support service, implementing an in-house system of help is very valuable. Often there are “experts” within the firm who are more than willing to assist anyone who asks. This in-house help system not only reduces frustration but also leads to rapid growth in skills which makes everyone happy.
4. Practice Patience
Be patient with yourself and with those who work with you. It takes time to make a transition. Technology is meant to make job tasks quicker and easier. Remember thumbing through a rolodex to find contact information? Now, you start typing a name and it automatically appears! Technology is great but changes in it require an adjustment period. And even slight changes can slow you down. But given time and patience, you will master your tasks with the new technology and it too will become second nature to you.
If you're considering a technology transition, contact CTSS to see how we can help!
1. Don’t Get Comfortable
You’re crushing your job and have a workflow down that let you accomplish everything with skill and efficiency! Just when you're in the zone, a new software application is release or there's an update that throws you back into hunt and click mode costing you efficiency and confidence. Hardware and software applications are continuously updated to address security concerns, consumer requests, and changes in business practices, among other reasons. Often the updates make it easier to perform your job and allow you to serve your clients better. However, sometimes the updates seem arbitrary and counterproductive which can lead a mellow person into a major meltdown. When technology changes come, realize it's going to be uncomfortable! You will have to step outside your comfort zone. You will have to access a new workflow to get back to prime efficiency. But that’s where progress happens. And progress benefits you, your firm, and your clients.
2. Get Trained and Communicate
When new or updated technology is acquired, a good training strategy must be considered. Nothing depletes morale quicker than the frustration that comes with not knowing how to do what you're used to doing with your eyes closed. Good training alleviates frustration and hedges productivity losses during a technology transition.
A good training strategy also addresses the number one question: “Why are we doing this?” It’s important to communicate the purpose and benefits of the new technology, as well as any firm policies relating to it. Having an awareness of what’s changing and why it’s changing makes technology more attractive to those who are using it.
3. Ask For and Give Help
Once training is complete, a good help system will hasten the acceptance and use of technology. I’ve often seen attorneys and assistants spend an hour trying to figure out how to do something that only took a few seconds once they asked how to do it. While I highly recommend, subscribing to my On-Demand Support service, implementing an in-house system of help is very valuable. Often there are “experts” within the firm who are more than willing to assist anyone who asks. This in-house help system not only reduces frustration but also leads to rapid growth in skills which makes everyone happy.
4. Practice Patience
Be patient with yourself and with those who work with you. It takes time to make a transition. Technology is meant to make job tasks quicker and easier. Remember thumbing through a rolodex to find contact information? Now, you start typing a name and it automatically appears! Technology is great but changes in it require an adjustment period. And even slight changes can slow you down. But given time and patience, you will master your tasks with the new technology and it too will become second nature to you.
If you're considering a technology transition, contact CTSS to see how we can help!