Last updated on Jul 24, 2024

You're facing pushback from team members on new financial tools. How can you overcome their resistance?

Introducing new financial tools to your team can be a challenging endeavor, especially when you encounter resistance from team members who are accustomed to their current workflows. However, overcoming this pushback is essential for the adoption of innovative solutions that can enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial services. By understanding the root of their resistance and addressing their concerns through clear communication and training, you can facilitate a smoother transition to these new tools.

1 Understand Concerns

To effectively address resistance, it's crucial to first understand the concerns of your team members. They might be worried about the learning curve, the impact on their current processes, or even job security. Engage in open dialogues to uncover their apprehensions. By actively listening and acknowledging their fears, you can tailor your approach to address specific issues and demonstrate empathy, making the team feel valued and heard.

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Mario Cruz

Strategy | IT | Marketing & Sales | Lean | PMO | Sustainability | AI
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Escuchar para ser escuchado. Usualmente, las personas reaccionamos bien para compartir nuestras inquietudes si observamos rectitud de intención en nuestros interlocutores. El primer concepto a tener claro, es que el rechazo es fundado y legítimo, y debemos atenderlo como tal. Si tenemos ideas por conferir, no las disfracemos de preguntas, es mejor mostrarlas tal cual, como ideas. Las preguntas debemos usarlas para indagar y comprender a los miembros del equipo.

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Shomik Kumar Mukerjee

Executive Director & Chief Commercial Officer - Ei Samay - An avant-garde newsprint & digital media
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Technology is often misinterpreted as a means to replace Human Resources instead of being absorbed as a tool for improving productivity This requires repeated counselling

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2 Communicate Benefits

Once you understand their concerns, communicate the benefits of the new financial tools clearly. Highlight how these tools can simplify tasks, reduce errors, and save time in the long run. Emphasize the value they add to individual roles and the organization as a whole. Your team is more likely to embrace change when they can see the direct positive impact on their daily work and overall career development.

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Mario Cruz

Strategy | IT | Marketing & Sales | Lean | PMO | Sustainability | AI
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A la hora de comunicar los beneficios, conviene hilarlos lógicamente con las inquietudes previamente reconocidas. Algunos beneficios se harán cargo de las dudas que propician el rechazo, otros probablemente no. Es importante llamar las cosas por su nombre al mostrarlas como beneficios, y si hay aspectos que no pueden ser resueltos por las nuevas herramientas, es importante reconocerlos. Una solución mostrada como perfecta y sin defectos, es un panfleto, como diría Guillermo Del Toro.

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Shomik Kumar Mukerjee

Executive Director & Chief Commercial Officer - Ei Samay - An avant-garde newsprint & digital media
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Any automation is aimed at 2 important levers - increase speed of decision making - reduce errors of commission or errors of omission

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3 Offer Training

A key element in overcoming resistance is providing comprehensive training. Ensure that your team members feel confident in using the new tools by offering sessions that cater to different learning styles and proficiencies. Regular workshops, one-on-one support, and accessible resources can alleviate anxiety around the adoption of new technology and empower your team to leverage these tools effectively.

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Mario Cruz

Strategy | IT | Marketing & Sales | Lean | PMO | Sustainability | AI
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Agotar todos los recursos para compartir información, entrenamiento y conocimientos, es crucial en cualquier proyecto, pero lo es aún más en iniciativas de naturaleza financiera. Sobre todo porque el área de finanzas admite bastante menos errores que otras funciones de la organización. La precisión en los datos y la confianza en los números son fundamentales en el proceso de toma de decisión. El equipo completo debe poder constatar que los recursos de información están ahí y son útiles.

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Shomik Kumar Mukerjee

Executive Director & Chief Commercial Officer - Ei Samay - An avant-garde newsprint & digital media
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Training must be through the seniors and not externalised. Train the trainer is a sustainable model for sustainable improvement

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4 Pilot Programs

Implementing a pilot program is a strategic way to introduce new financial tools. Select a small, willing group of team members to test the tools and provide feedback. This allows for adjustments before a full rollout and creates internal champions who can advocate for the benefits of the new system based on their firsthand experience.

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Mario Cruz

Strategy | IT | Marketing & Sales | Lean | PMO | Sustainability | AI
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Los programas piloto son una gran idea al servicio de la implementación de nuevas herramientas. Pero cuando una nueva herramienta realmente traerá consigo potencia y ejecución superior, es preferible no perder tiempo con programas piloto o pruebas de concepto. Si se puede invertir tiempo en evaluar las nuevas herramientas financieras, a un nivel de detalle tal que se confirme su valor, es mejor hacerlo. La implementación de la solución compelta traerá los beneficios completos.

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Shomik Kumar Mukerjee

Executive Director & Chief Commercial Officer - Ei Samay - An avant-garde newsprint & digital media
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It is important to fail but one must fail fast and learn from the failure faster No product is perfectly suitable for anyone and everyone and there is always the cycle of understanding - adapting - adopting and finally advocating

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5 Address Workflow

Consider how the new financial tools integrate with existing workflows. Resistance often stems from fear of disruption, so it's important to demonstrate how these tools will streamline processes rather than complicate them. Involve team members in the integration process to help them understand and shape the workflow, fostering a sense of ownership and easing the transition.

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Mario Cruz

Strategy | IT | Marketing & Sales | Lean | PMO | Sustainability | AI
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Un ejercicio interesante para el flujo de trabajo, es el referente a establecer si la nueva herramienta es para: 1. Hacer algo que no estamos haciendo hoy 2. Acelerar un proceso que ya hacemos hoy 3. Controlar un proceso que ya existe 4. Conectar personas o procesos inconexos Este ejercicio permite al equipo aterrizar cómo la nueva herramienta será una aliada en la ejecución del negocio.

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Shomik Kumar Mukerjee

Executive Director & Chief Commercial Officer - Ei Samay - An avant-garde newsprint & digital media
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Workflows need to be designed from the lowest level to the senior most level and not the other way around. Any tool must be first for the betterment for the last person standing - the foot soldiers in the field

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6 Continuous Support

Lastly, providing continuous support is vital for maintaining momentum after the initial implementation. Be available to answer questions and resolve issues as they arise. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy can reinforce a supportive environment, encouraging team members to fully adopt the new financial tools and integrate them into their routine.

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