Embedded Files
You have been working in Google Workspace for so long you forgot what it's like to wait for one minute to load Excel. The last time you received an attachment via email was ... back when they built the pyramids, for all you care. But then you get another boss, who throws you back into the bronze age. What can you do?
If your boss is not leading you, you might have to take charge. Ever so gentle.
Figure out what is going on
Figure out what is going on
Right in the beginning, having "the talk" may not be the best idea. Your boss (especially if they joined from another company) may not know what is going on. Taking over a new team is stressful enough, so the last thing on their mind is squabbling over Word vs. Docs.
On the other hand, "right in the beginning" is where routines and habits are established. It may be a good time to extend your feelers and see whether all those Webex invites are coming from conviction or convenience.
Choose your approach
Choose your approach
Talk
Talk
Do not assume to know why there is resistance. But do bring up the topic once you are comfortable.
Your boss may not know there is a problem. Unless you speak up.
Your boss may have difficulties with technology (and may not like asking for help). Your chance to shine.
Your boss may not care - time to convince them.
Your boss may actively dislike Google Workspace. Time to ask why, to address prejudices or to work on technical problems. There may be issues you can do nothing about: legacy systems or client X only accepts Excel files? - agree on keeping things separate.
Nudge
Nudge
Talking is best. If that did not go anywhere or you do not have a relationship where that can be done, try nudging your boss into the right direction.
By that I mean be a friendly force to your boss. If you care about your team, you will recognize that your team-facing will only go so far. They will be overridden or look rebellious if your boss continues inviting people to Webex. So swallow your pride and do a lot of helping, tech help, setup, talking up other team's successes, even though that does is not on your job description. You were probably not onboarded with that knowledge - neither was your boss.
There is a previous blog post you can refer to.
Lead
Lead
If your boss is indifferent, be the change you want to see in the team ✌. It would be better if change came from above, but you can do much good, too.
This is not carte blanche to contradict the organization where Google Workspace cannot be used - we have business rules for a handful of exception clients.
Help people using the better tools
Help people find the setup that suits them best
Create groups, chat rooms, Currents communities, calendars etc. for your team to use
Spread enthusiasm about new features coming almost every week
Find many more tips on how to become an underground change person.
What's in it for you?
What's in it for you?
Being the person to stick out their neck may be uncomfortable - so do not assume that your boss is acting out of malice. They will mostly value the team's productivity higher than their own comfort and be ready to learn something new. Nobody wants to be seen as holding others back or as unable to go with the times. This is a trap - be careful not to push too hard.
Sticking your neck out for your team is rewarding if you do it without causing conflicts. The worst that can happen is that you have a well-informed conversation about work habits and business rules and learn something interesting about your boss and the nature of your work.
The best that can happen is that you sway your boss and that you establish a better working relationship. Perhaps you can coach your boss a bit. You also demonstrate that you care about your team - which is what future leaders do.
Google Workspace gets better the more we use it - not just as super secure file storage, but as much as possible, with as many people as possible. We are all change agents, whether it is in our role descriptions or not. It's part of your future job. Thank you for reading!
#strategy #changeManagementPublished 2020-11-12 by Holger Matthies.Modified 2020-11-12 by Holger Matthies.
Page updated
Report abuse