It not about you, its about us

As I attend more sessions at NTEN and have more converstations with people I hear questions about, how do I convince staff to use technology and new tools? Many people quickly turn to answers like showing them the benefit to their job or to effeciencies.

Here is a different thought. I think we all work at nonprofits in the hope that we are a part of something that will make a difference. Therefore if all technology was directly tied to the mission, then when selling a new tool explain to the staff why it is important to the mission, not just their job.

For example, if you autmate case notes, yes it will be different work for each case worker. So people try to sell it to the case manager as you will be able to work more effectively. But what if you showed that case worker, that by using the system you are enabling the leaadership to get needed data, enhance other case workers to learn from your expertise, our grant writers can use your successes more effectively to get more funding, our business and IT staff will better understand how you work to be more able to support you.

Dont just sell the benefit to each individual, show the tie to the mission. But of course all that hinges on the fact that technology is actually tied to mission and is seen as a strategic tool to get there. Which leads back to do we have the understanding and support of our leadership, boards, staff and funders or is it just IT that understands this.

Sorry if my thoughts are a bit incoherent, trying to listen and type, plus recover from the oveflow of information.