Introducing new technology in a provider agency can be transformative – but only if your team is on board. Whether you’re rolling out MeMinder, My Emotional Navigator, Evalu8NOW, or another enabling tech tool, staff buy-in is essential for long-term success.
Here are six practical strategies to help your team feel supported, engaged, and ready to adopt new tech.
1. Listen First
Before launching a new tool, ask your staff what’s working, what’s frustrating, and what they need. Use quick surveys, team huddles, or anonymous feedback forms to gather insights. Then, connect the tech to their real challenges.
Example:
“We chose My Emotional Navigator because you told us you were struggling with clients’ emotional outbursts and mentioned it was hard to identify triggers. This tool helps you understand context so you can help prevent them in the future.”
2. Reframe the Narrative
Staff may worry that implementing tech tools means more oversight or worse yet, that it will take the place of their support. Reframe enabling technology as a resource that supports their work – not a way to monitor it.
Messaging Tips:
- “This person-centered planning app helps you document faster so you can spend more time with individuals.”
- “The Evalu8Now dashboard gives you insights to advocate more effectively and prevent crises.”
3. Start with Technology Champions
Identify a few enthusiastic team members to pilot the tool. These “tech champions” can share feedback, troubleshoot early issues, and model usage for others. Peer success builds trust and curiosity.
4. Train with Flexibility
Offer multiple training formats to meet different learning styles:
- Hands-on demos
- Short video walkthroughs
- Printed guides
- Follow-up Q&A sessions
Acknowledge the learning curve and offer ongoing support.
5. Celebrate Early Wins
Highlight real success stories to build momentum. Did someone de-escalate a situation using the app? Did a team save time on documentation?
Example:
“Thanks to Evalu8NOW, our planning meeting wrapped 30 minutes early—and everyone left with clear action steps.”
6. Keep the Feedback Loop Open
Tech adoption is ongoing. Continue asking:
- What’s working well?
- What’s confusing or frustrating?
- What would make this tool even better?
Use feedback to refine training, adjust workflows, or share insights with vendors.
Start with an Enabling Technology Pilot
Rolling out technology agency-wide can be overwhelming, especially if the idea of enabling tech is new to the organization. Starting with a pilot allows you to hand-pick participants that are receptive and whose needs and desires match well with the solutions the particular technology offers.
Smaller groups can also allow care providers a way to practice kick-offs, the process of issuing out technology, and customizing it without feeling the pressure of a huge group of others waiting “in line.” It gives them enough experience to find their cadence and gain confidence with the tech.
Lastly, pilots allow you a more controlled environment primed for feedback and troubleshooting.
In conclusion, technology should amplify the compassion, creativity, and care your staff already bring to their roles. When you center your rollout on empathy, empowerment, and shared purpose, and in a controlled and calm environment, staff buy-in becomes a natural outcome.
