Overcoming Resistance to Change: How to Get Your Team on Board with New Software

Trade contractors' teams often resist the adoption of new software, claiming that "we don't need new software." 

This is understandable given that they have already been introduced to various digital tools, such as Dynamics construction software, time-tracking and project management apps, which they had to adjust to over the past decade. 

In addition, contractors need to complete tasks in a specific manner and may not be inclined to seek out new methods. 

However, changes in the business landscape and the need for skilled work require adaptation. If your construction company needs to change a critical process or introduce new software, there are ways to get your teams on board.

Resistance to New Software Adoption is Common 

There are common reasons why employees resist change and software adoption, which include:

• Lack of understanding of why change is happening

• Concerns about job changes

• Unknown fear 

• Lack of trust in leadership 

• Feeling excluded from decision-making. 

Surprisingly, research shows that mid-level managers and frontline staff are more resistant to change than company executives and senior managers. 

This emphasizes the significance of trust in implementing change, as field teams and project managers may feel blindsided if they do not trust the company's leadership.

3 Tips to Adopt Construction Software

Change management is crucial when it comes to transforming a process, team, or tool while aligning everyone and minimizing risks. Many experts' advice is particularly valuable in this regard. 

Introducing Microsoft Dynamics construction software is a prime example of a change that requires careful handling. 

To persuade their teams to adopt new software, construction trade contracting firms can undertake three steps within the framework of the objections commonly encountered.

1. Explain the necessity for the change

When people resist change, it's essential to demonstrate the need for it. To make the software ideal for your team, it's necessary to tailor it to their interests. 

For instance, highlight how the change will benefit them instead of discussing productivity or profits. This could be in the form of higher pay or bonuses, opportunities for career growth, or the potential to take on new leadership roles. 

Alternatively, you can demonstrate how the software can simplify a task that previously took a long time.

2. Be transparent about the process

When faced with resistance to change, it's essential to address the root cause - often mistrust in management. 

To overcome this, transparency should be maintained as a practice. Transparency in this context has three key qualities: 

• Disclosing all relevant information

• Inviting others to participate in decision-making

• Being accountable for actions

For instance, if a business struggles with slow change order processing, explaining the issue and proposing a solution, such as implementing new construction accounting software, is appropriate. 

Feedback from the team should also be sought and discussed in a meeting, demonstrating accountability.

3. Involve both the field team and managers in decision-making

Teams that are used to collaborating on work may find top-down change disruptive. 

In the construction industry, there's a cycle to planning and executing work that involves design-review sessions, where ideas are discussed and modified before work begins. 

Pushing for change unilaterally can create resentment and break this cycle. According to experts, involving team members in discussing, evaluating, and modifying plans is crucial. 

Frequent alignment sessions and educational campaigns can help project leadership establish a sustainable solution for managing changes.

Conclusion

Implementing changes can be challenging, but it's important not to let fear hinder progress. 

To ensure a smooth transition, planning your approach and establishing adequate support systems is crucial. In addition, contractors often resist unfamiliarity, so management teams should approach resistance with a flexible mindset and innovative solutions.

Construction companies encounter change as their sectors expand and transform. A comprehensive software solution like ProjectPro can assist you in navigating these changes. Schedule a demo.