Psst. Word around the water cooler is your boss is reluctant to change. True?
We’d like to help — especially if you’ve been suggesting a move from your antiquated paper scheduling system to a shiny new electronic one.
Before we pile on your boss for being too old-school, it’s important to understand the method to their madness. Most small business owners are hyper-focused on the bottom line — they think status quo disruptions lead to periods of inefficiency, which means lower profits. They rely on their tried-and-true paper employee scheduling system because they know it works. It may be inefficient, but it’s one less thing they have to worry about.
Your challenge if you choose to accept it: Focus on the long-term value of “seeing the light” and going high-tech.
Top reasons small business owners are averse to online employee scheduling
Before you begin twisting arms, it’s important to understand why some bosses may be holding back.
- They are used to doing all the important stuff. This is a trust issue. Having a heart-to-heart about how you (and your brilliant ideas) could help put more time in their day may offer much-needed stress relief. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
- They are control freaks. This is a step further from the above concern, but one that you still can overcome. Controlling people are more receptive to change if they see value. Educating them on benefits instead of challenging their beliefs will be much more effective. When you get them to a point when they think it’s a good idea — even better, get them to believe it’s their idea — they will encourage the change right along with you.
- They fear what they don’t know. Again, educate, educate, educate. If they fear the cloud, find resources that will alleviate those fears. If they fear a disruption in productivity, pull together numbers that show how a change will benefit the bottom line. If they fear employee dissatisfaction, gather research that shows employees will embrace change with open arms.
- They don’t use technology. No biggie. If, however, you focus on how employees will benefit by using something they use every day — technology (computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.) — your boss may realize their fear is secondary to providing employees tools they are comfortable with already.
Impress with your presentation on the benefits of employee scheduling software
If all the above apply to your boss, you have your work cut out for you — but you have a much better chance of gaining confidence if you are prepared.
- Gather research on the value of technology in the small business workplace.
- Run numbers on how much time employees and managers will save daily by using technology. (For example: If an employee saves 10 minutes daily by using technology, and he/she works 240 days per year, that’s 2,400 minutes or 40 hours a year — an entire week of gained productivity!)
- When you present, pay attention to body language. Be prepared for resistance, but be persistent. Your reason for presenting is you care about the company, and you know electronic scheduling will enhance efficiency, improve productivity and boost profits. Otherwise, why would you waste their time and yours?
- Finally, let your boss know that you want to take the lead. This is often the main reason small business owners avoid change — they just don’t have time to handle it. Let them know you’ll run point and share feedback and progress as you uncover the best options for your business.
And when the time comes to investigate options, take a look at our TrackSmart software services. We’ll be glad to help you evaluate what products best meet your needs.
