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This is not an article that provides the answers on how to overcome resistance to the introduction of new technology or new processes in a business. I'm not that smart or I'd be much richer. No, it's about the need for firms to recognize that that must deal with resistance effectively, not just bulldoze ahead and order people to do things.

New technology can make people feel stupid. New processes can lead them to believe management thinks they were doing things incorrectly previously. Leaving them with this feeling and trying to implement change without easing these attitudes is not going to yield the kind of productivity that business seeks.

These thoughts were triggered by a recent press release from SurePrep, which markets outsourced tax preparation services and tax workflow products. It recently entered an agreement with the Center for Project Management. Since most small businesses can't afford change management teams, SurePrep is working with CPM to provide information about the issue in the form of a white paper posted on the Internet. CPM also offers continuing education courses. SurePrep is not splitting revenue with CPM, notes CEO David Wyle.

Wyle believes one thing partners must be able to provide is a 30-second elevator speech on why change is being made. "Every partner should be able to give five reasons," he says. Firms must make an assessment of the effects on those who change is going to impact. And I think one of the key observations is to involve those resisting change."Bring them in and make them part of a team," Wyle continues.

We can probably never eliminate the "stupid" issue, since technology is often too difficult to use, but training can help make people feel better about using it, that there's nothing wrong with them. And bringing objectors into the process is one of those things that sounds so right that I'd love to claim it was my phrase.

But I can say there's one thing in common in facing all issues: If workers or feel stupid; if they think they are being criticized, management faces a difficult problem. There's nothing that motivates people more than making them feel better about themselves, making them feel appreciated, making them feel involved.

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