How to Help Tech-Challenged Remote Workers
Tips for helping new remote employees make the tech transition
If you’re anything like me, you define yourself as an “early adopter.” That means I like to use new technology as soon as it’s available. New iOS on the iPhone? I download it the day it’s released. On the opposite end of the spectrum are people like a dear friend who once told me they avoid their cell phone operating system updates for as long as possible because they don’t like change.
Sometimes change is hard, especially if your mind likes the ease of what’s familiar. But when it comes to building a productive virtual team, it’s critical that they learn and use the tools necessary to communicate and collaborate with their other team members. As we enter into the future of work, employees will increasingly be working from home (especially after the coronavirus-mandated remote work experience). So how can you, as a conscious leader, help your tech-challenged team members embrace and use the technology needed for better team collaboration? Here are some tips:
Offer group and individual tutoring
If a new tool or platform will be used across the entire organization, group teaching about how to use it will be important so that all team members are on the same page. For maximum results, set a time when all team members will be using the new tool together so there isn’t confusion where some are aren’t using the new tool and some are.
Each of us learns at different paces and in different ways. That may mean individual tutoring for team members who don’t catch on right away or need more specific training. The key is to keep following up with each team member to make sure they get the training they need to be as productive as possible based on their work style.
Take advantage of online training courses
Many platforms offer free videos or customer support. If you’re using a new platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, they offer plenty of online videos and courses for clients to learn. There are also lots of online schools like LinkedIn’s Lynda that teach new skillsets. For team members that need more help, giving them days set aside just for learning new tools will help them get up to speed more quickly.
Provide on-demand IT assistance
Depending on the size of your company, you may be able to hire a full-time IT expert to work exclusively with your team on its virtual team tools. If you’re not yet in that position, contracting with a company or IT expert for on-demand services is a necessary service to keep your team up and running. This is especially important for team members as they learn new tools. The ability to call an expert who can answer their question or solve their issue in just minutes can avoid frustration and lost productivity.
Be patient and encouraging
Some team members will need a little more time to acclimate to new tools. Setting the right expectations before implementing new systems or tools will help avoid frustration for everyone involved. Patience is important any time you’re helping your team, but especially when helping them learn.
Encouragement is also essential with struggling team members. I’ve coached individuals who were so stressed about not learning a new skillset quickly enough they feared losing their position, which caused them even more anxiety, which inhibited their ability to actually learn. An anxious mindset is not hospitable for true learning. So encourage your team that they will have the time and resources to learn what they need to in order to execute their responsibilities.
Conscious leadership means equipping your team with all the resources needed to work together well and be as successful as possible. As you lead your team, responding to their unique needs, you’ll display the kind of leadership that inspires and expands new generations of conscious leaders.
I will soon be launching a training series for employers and employees to hone their remote work skills and bring more conscious leadership to work.
Stay posted for these exciting and timely new courses!
And please sign up for this newsletter so you’ll receive the latest insights on remote work success, remote team building and leadership, and the future of work.