Social networking and the concept of social business IS still new enough that many people entrenched in the corporate world remain skepticalHowever, “CHANGE” brought about by social media is here to stay, not only for businesses and customers, but also for the human element in an organization…..in essence, “How could we better ensure an organization’s cross-functional social media team aka worker-bees, who will be carrying out these lofty new plans, adjust themselves to another CHANGE, eliminate their creatures of habit and dismiss the fears of the unknown that social media brings about?”It is only when one truly apprehend and understand why employees resist change and (realize that their reactions are perfectly normal) that they are able to alter their attitudes, transform their resistance into cooperation and result in success.
Lesson 1: Educate, educate and educate to reform and banish these top 10 undesirable perspectives:Fear of failureCreatures of habitNo obvious needLoss of controlConcern about support systemClosed mindedUnwillingness to learnFear that the new way may not be betterFear of the unknownFear of personal impactLesson 2: Encourage participation, listen and engage employees in searching for solutions rather than defending the past. Demonstrate respect for all opinions and keep a positive attitude to navigate through the choppy sea of resistance.Lesson 3: Develop and train your employees on “Social Media for Dummies”. Impart knowledge and demonstrate the benefits from both an organization and individual’s standpoint.
An engaged and empowered team will react quickly and nimbly, and perform in parallel tasks that used to be done sequentially.