.png)
By Christine Thomas, CK Digital Learning Solutions co-owner
I want to dive into a topic that's not only close to my heart but also crucial for your team's success: supporting team members who may be struggling to embrace learning technology. As a learning strategist and a remote work advocate, I've witnessed the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into our professional lives.
So, let's explore some strategies that not only empower our colleagues but also foster a tech-savvy culture within our teams.
How to support your team as they navigate new learning technologies
Start with empathy
Understanding is key. Approach the situation with empathy and patience. Recognize that not everyone feels comfortable with technology, and that's okay. Listen to your team members’ concerns and address any fears or uncertainties they may have. By showing understanding, you create a safe space for them to express themselves and ask questions without feeling judged.
Provide personalized support
Every individual has their own learning pace and preferences, so it’s important to tailor your support to their needs. To do this, you can offer one-on-one training sessions, tutorials, or workshops focused on the tools or platforms they struggle with.
In addition, encourage those who are struggling to ask questions and experiment in a low-pressure environment. A great way to do this is to offer a “sandbox” – a test environment that gives them the freedom to explore the software on their own and discover alternate ways to use the technology. This encourages them to get comfortable with the interface and play around with the tools without worrying about making mistakes. Remember, the goal is to build confidence – and a low-pressure environment is a great place to do this.
Highlight the benefits
It’s important to help people see the value in embracing learning technology — not just for the team, but for their personal growth and professional development.
To do this, show them how the right technology can streamline their workflow, increase productivity, and enhance their skill set. Share success stories or case studies of how technology has positively impacted others within the organization. When people understand the “why,” they’re more motivated to overcome their personal challenges and adapt.
Lead by example
Be a role model for embracing learning technology. Demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and platforms. Share your experiences and lessons learned along the way.
A great way to gain trust is to encourage your employees to find new ways we can streamline current processes by using the tools we have. This shows your team members that it's possible to overcome obstacles and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the team.
Encourage peer learning
Foster a supportive community where team members can learn from each other. Encourage knowledge-sharing sessions or peer-to-peer mentorship programs where tech-savvy colleagues can offer guidance and support to those less familiar with technology.
For example, if you have weekly calls or status checks, choose a team member to share a new feature with a tool that may help the rest of the team. Sometimes, learning from a peer can be less intimidating than learning from a manager. This is another excellent way to show recognition for adapting the tool to fit the needs of the business.
Celebrate progress
Acknowledge and celebrate small technological victories. Whether successfully sending their first Slack message or mastering a new project management tool, your team member deserves recognition for every step forward, no matter how small. Celebrating small successes boosts morale and reinforces the idea that learning technology is a journey, not a destination.
Provide ongoing support
As we all know, learning doesn't end after the initial training session. Reassure your people that we are here to offer continuous support and resources to help them grow their skills and confidence with technology. This could include access to online courses, webinars, or a dedicated support channel where they can seek help when needed.
***
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a tech-savvy team. Embracing learning technology is a continuous process that requires patience, support, and a willingness to adapt along the way.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and providing personalized support, you can empower your team members to embrace technology confidently and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Remember that this journey is ongoing, and each step forward is a testament to your team's growth and adaptability.
The future of work is tech-driven, and with the right support, our teams can rise to the challenge and achieve great things. Let's prioritize the adoption of learning technology and watch our teams soar to new heights!
Are you a new leader who needs help navigating how to manage a team? Get our FREE guide to effective team member conversations here!
And for additional information on all things L&D and leadership, follow us on LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter.
Comments