How to Get Your Team On Board with New Standardized Processes Despite Competing Priorities

Implementing new standardized processes can transform your business operations, making them more efficient, consistent, and scalable. However, getting your team to embrace these changes is often easier said than done—especially when they have competing priorities. So how do you gain buy-in and ensure everyone is on the same page?

Here’s a strategy to help you get your team excited about new processes, even when they’re juggling multiple responsibilities.

1. Communicate the “Why” Behind the Change

Before asking your team to adopt new processes, make sure they understand the reasons behind them. Explain the specific problems these changes will solve, how they’ll make everyone’s jobs easier, and the positive impact on the business’s overall success. When people understand the ‘why,’ they’re more likely to support the ‘how.’

Action Tip: Host a kickoff meeting or workshop where you clearly communicate the benefits of the new processes. Use real-life examples to illustrate how these changes will positively impact day-to-day operations.

2. Involve Key Stakeholders Early

Bring key team members into the conversation early on, especially those who will be directly affected by the new processes. When people feel involved in the decision-making process, they’re more likely to be invested in the outcome.

Action Tip: Form a cross-functional team to help develop or refine the new processes. Encourage them to provide feedback and suggest improvements based on their experience and expertise.

3. Address Concerns and Acknowledge Competing Priorities

Understand that your team already has a lot on their plates, and new processes might initially feel like an added burden. Take the time to listen to their concerns, acknowledge their existing workload, and provide clarity on how this transition will actually alleviate some of their pain points in the long run.

Action Tip: Schedule one-on-one or small group sessions to discuss any reservations or concerns team members might have. Show empathy and be prepared to offer solutions to minimize disruption to their current tasks.

4. Provide Training and Resources

Fear of the unknown is a common barrier to change. Providing comprehensive training and resources will help your team feel more confident and capable of adopting new processes. Make the training engaging, interactive, and tailored to different learning styles to ensure it’s effective.

Action Tip: Develop easy-to-follow guides, videos, or live demonstrations to walk your team through the new processes. Offer continuous support through Q&A sessions, workshops, or dedicated mentors.

5. Set Clear Expectations and Align Goals

Make sure your team understands what is expected of them during the transition and how the new processes align with both individual and team goals. Set clear timelines and benchmarks to measure progress and celebrate small wins to keep momentum going.

Action Tip: Share a clear roadmap that outlines each step of the transition, along with specific milestones and deadlines. Regularly update the team on progress and adjust timelines if needed.

6. Incentivize Adoption and Reward Progress

Incentives can be a powerful motivator. Consider offering rewards or recognition to team members who embrace the new processes quickly or help others do the same. Celebrate wins, both big and small, to build a culture that embraces continuous improvement.

Action Tip: Create a recognition program that highlights team members who demonstrate a strong commitment to adopting the new processes. This could include public recognition, small bonuses, or additional time off.

7. Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust

Remember that implementing new processes is an iterative process. Regularly monitor how well your team is adapting, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. This shows your team that you are committed to making the new processes work for everyone, not just pushing a top-down mandate.

Action Tip: Conduct regular feedback sessions or surveys to understand how the new processes are working and where improvements can be made. Be open to suggestions and ready to make changes based on the feedback.

Conclusion: Lead with Empathy and Clarity

Getting your team on board with new standardized processes is about more than just implementing change; it’s about leading with empathy, communicating effectively, and providing the support they need to succeed. By involving your team early, addressing their concerns, and incentivizing progress, you can turn competing priorities into a unified effort toward growth and success.