The Golden Rule 2.0

Tips for Effective Technology Change Agents
Roy Tennant, Senior Program Officer, OCLC Programs and Research

A strong current that ran through both of today's sessions was to remember that not everyone loves your new project as much as you do. And it's OK. Roy was very candid about the need to remember that when you are implementing technological changes you are changing your coworkers' environment, and so it's natural to encounter some resistance. So be patient and put yourself in the other person's shoes.

He also reminded those of us who agitate for change not to lose sight of the ramifications of seemingly simple changes like changing a phone number. Just think of all the stationery, web pages and directories that you would have to change if you were to finally get that 945-BOOK exchange!

It was also reassuring to hear that you will inevitably make changes you regret and to learn from those mistakes and make better choices in the future. Categories of Innovativeness illustrate where some of these poor choices are likely to be made. We also discussed the economic factors related to this curve.

Roy stressed that if you are not using the right format for the consumer to use in the way he or she wants to use it, it might as well be unavailable. Examples of this might be early adopters of virtual reference who didn't allow patrons to request assistance via IM or text messaging. (Another would be downloadable audiobooks that can't be played on iPods--the market share of portable MP3 players. Sigh.)

When trying to create interest in technological change for your organization, it is vital to be able to reduce the complexity of your sales pitch. You don't need to share everything you know. Some staff need to know what something will allow them to do, while others will be more interested in knowing how something will work.

When you're asking for change, be prepared to hear "No." But be aware that "No" may mean "I stopped listening because I am already very busy." If you come back with the same request, your listener will know that this is something important to you and give you more time to explain your project and implications for the organization.

Roy recommended Real Change Leaders by Jon Katzenbach for more information on becoming an effective change agent. He also discussed characteristics of effective change agents, strategies for keeping current, strategic learning, working with recalcitrant staff, economic challenges and inadequate infrastructure.

He ended the session by reminding us that, "If you're not having fun, you're either doing the wrong thing or you're doing the right thing the wrong way."

Let's have some fun!