How Do You Effectively Train Your Team to Adopt New Software or Technology?
In the fast-paced world of tech, staying ahead means continuously adapting to new tools and systems. We’ve gathered insights from CEOs and CTOs on their most effective training methods. From assigning a team of internal champions to pairing up with “tech buddies,” explore the seven innovative techniques these leaders use to keep their teams agile and tech-savvy.
- Assign Internal Champions
- Invest in Personalized Employee Training
- Implement Microlearning Sessions
- Use Peer- and Project-Based Learning
- Design Immersive Design-Thinking Workshops
- Embrace Learning by Doing
- Conduct Hands-On Exercises
- Pair Up with “Tech Buddies”
Assign Internal Champions
One effective training method that facilitated our team’s quick adaptation to the new technology was the implementation of interactive workshops led by internal champions. Rather than traditional lecture-style training, these sessions were hands-on and collaborative, allowing team members to actively engage with the new technology.
Its emphasis on peer learning and practical application made this approach stand out. Internal champions, who had already mastered the technology, guided their colleagues through real-world scenarios and problem-solving exercises.
This accelerated the learning process and fostered a supportive team dynamic. The interactive workshops created an environment where team members felt comfortable experimenting with the technology, ultimately boosting confidence and minimizing the learning curve associated with the new tools.
Dhari Alabdulhadi
CTO and Founder, Ubuy Kuwait
Invest in Personalized Employee Training
I think that investing in personal training on a per-employee basis is one of the best ways to onboard new strategies or software, particularly for larger organizations. This allows all employees to get the most out of training in ways that they know they respond best to.
Wendy Makinson
HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll
Implement Microlearning Sessions
One effective training method for rapid adaptation to new technology is the use of microlearning.
This approach involves short, focused training sessions on specific aspects of the technology. It allows team members to quickly absorb and apply new information without being overwhelmed, and it’s flexible enough to fit into busy schedules. For instance, a series of 10-minute daily tutorials on a new software tool can significantly enhance proficiency within a week.
Tom McCarron
Co-Founder, Algebra Digital
Use Peer- and Project-Based Learning
One of the best ways I’ve found for my team to pick up new technology quickly is by using peer- and project-based learning. Team members learn new technologies together, allowing them to ask one another questions, share tips, and get support.
If some staff members take to a certain technology faster than others, they can help provide mentorship and guidance to the rest of the team. We also apply these new skills to projects as soon as possible. This provides real-world problem-solving opportunities, which make it easier to learn a new technology and retain what you’re learning by directly applying it.
Thomas Samuels
President, Cardinal Expo
Design Immersive Design-Thinking Workshops
Rather than dull slides overflowing with functional requirements checklists, immersive design-thinking workshops made emerging tools click for our squad! After equipping with tutorials and documentation, we plunged collaborators into practical problem-solving sprints centered around applicants and hiring managers. We role-played personas, mapped journeys, brainstormed optimizations, and rapidly prototyped solutions.
Suddenly, AI stopped feeling like an abstract disruption but instead became a canvas enabling creative solutions to improve experiences and outcomes in human terms! Making technology tangibly accessible and actionable in a compressed time frame through gamified experiences allows our team to grow cutting-edge capabilities quickly.
Lou Reverchuk
Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal
Embrace Learning by Doing
Learning by doing is the best way I’ve found. Rather than spending time in training, I’d prefer to find a problem that can be solved by a particular technology and then start working on it together, learning the issues that we might have as a team along the way. This usually means something like a design sprint, for example.
Kate Kandefer
CEO, SEOwind
Conduct Hands-On Exercises
One effective training method that has helped my team quickly adapt to new technology is the implementation of hands-on workshops and practical exercises. By providing real-world scenarios and interactive sessions, team members can apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
This approach fosters active engagement, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how the new technology integrates into our workflow. Additionally, it encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among team members, facilitating a smoother transition to adopting and utilizing the latest tools and technologies.
Mark Fong
General Manager, CEO, Goneng Lighting
Pair Up with “Tech Buddies”
One training method that really worked wonders for us is what we call “Tech Buddies.” We pair up team members based on their strengths and areas of improvement. It’s like having a designated tech guru for each person.
This way, when we adopt new technology, there’s always someone you can turn to for a quick demo, troubleshooting tips, or just a friendly chat about the latest trends. It not only speeds up the learning process but also fosters a collaborative spirit within the team.
Jon Morgan
CEO, Venture Smarter
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