#Microsoft365 To kick-start the new 365 Day Challenge, I decided to have some fun. The way people talk about User Adoption you’d think it’s the apocalypse. In this blog I’ll share 10 great ways to change your company culture and in the process achieve user adoption.

Keep in mind that this new challenge will absorb my current #42WeekHitchhikersGuide and #MacFriendlyOffice365 blogs as I will be covering the same content.

Of the 33 Zombieland Rules – these resonate with me:

  • Rule #1:    Cardio
  • Rule #2:    Double Tap
  • Rule #8:    Get a kickass partner
  • Rule #14:  Always carry a change of underwear
  • Rule #16:  Opportunity knocks
  • Rule #20:  It’s a marathon, not a sprint
  • Rule #22:  When in doubt, know your way out
  • Rule #29:  Buddy system
  • Rule #32:  Enjoy the little things
  • Rule #33:  Swiss Army Knife
 

Rule #1:

Cardio

Cardio is all about the fitness of your users. Yes, you know I’m talking about training. You simply cannot expect users to adopt new lifestyles / ways of working without equipping them with the necessary skills. Digital Literacy is my favourite topic at the moment. It’s not just about teaching them to use a new product or service, but also about preparing them for the digital world. Read my recent article in the DIWUG Magazine on Digital Literacy for some more insights.

 

Rule #2:

Double Tap

So many times we implement something new and walk away. In the world of continues improvement, validation and verification forms a crucial part of the process. Validation is about checking whether the specifications meet the customer’s requirements. Verification is after the fact, where we check whether the solution we built reflects the requirements specified.

In the end “Double Tap” is about going back and making sure you achieved the original purpose. I always suggest a follow up within 3 months – are they using the ‘system’, is there something you can change to make it better? It’s also important to keep in mind that I’m not just referring to BIG systems, it might be every day process improvement stuff for example a library or calendar that was built.

 

Rule #8:

Get a kickass partner

Microsoft values their partners and so should you. Find someone that understands your business and will help you achieve your goals. It’s not always possible to develop skills in-house, so take your time looking for the right partner and when you find them, nurture the relationship. That’s why we call them partners, not suppliers.

 

Rule #14:

Always carry a change of underwear

No project is perfect and things go wrong. Do not be disillusioned into thinking that it will go according to plan. It won’t. If you keep your finger on the pulse you will know when something is going to happen and you’ll be able to put corrective and preventive actions in place. Have a backup plan. Be prepared.

 

Rule #16:

Opportunity knocks

In a fast paced world of agile development we’re subject to constant change. See these as opportunities and adapt. This way your systems will grow and mature together with your users and the business need. Wayne Dyer said that “If you change the way you look at things, then the things you look at changes.” Stop talking about problems or issues. See each of these as an opportunity to grow, learn and improve.

 

Rule #20:

It’s a marathon, not a sprint

Change takes time. The environment we work in might change fast and all the time, but changing culture is a slow process. Change Management is not a project with a start and an end. You have to work at this continually. Plan, do, check, act.

Remember, one step forward & one step back is a cha-cha, not a disaster.

 

Rule #22:

When in doubt, know your way out

When making decisions, it’s important to defend both sides. It’s no good saying SharePoint is the best thing ever if you don’t understand what the other platforms offer and what the pros and cons are. It helps understanding where your product is lacking and how to work around it. Users have the amazing ability to point out what’s not working and ignore the great stuff. Have your answers ready and be informed.

 

Rule #29:

Buddy system

Create an environment where users have someone to rely on. Reverse mentoring has become a hot topic as it allows for transfer of knowledge between senior and junior employees. We all have something to offer, find the strengths in your users and expose them to Buddy Systems where they can help each other. Learning through Sharing.

 

Rule #32:

Enjoy the little things

Have fun. This is not supposed to hurt. Celebrate the small successes and keep it light-hearted. There are so many creative ways to achieve goals and make it enjoyable for your users.

 

Rule #33:

Swiss Army Knife

Just because you can remove a screw with a knife doesn’t mean you should. Get to know the products and services in Microsoft 365 / Office 365 really well and make sure that your users understands when to use what. This should tie in with the company strategy around communication & collaboration.

Hope you enjoyed the post. Have Fun!! 🙂