Now more than ever, influencing public policy takes teamwork. New digital tools are helping companies and organizations with public policy objectives quickly align partners, clients, and internal stakeholders on strategies for making a difference.
Shared digital workspaces centralize conversations about particular bills and reduce the need for meetings. Tracking similar or related legislation manually is becoming obsolete.
The next phase of public policy work is already here. If your team is reluctant to try new technology, here’s how you can make a case for making the switch.
Tip 1: Focus on Issues You Need to Solve
Start by asking your team what their roadblocks are to getting their jobs done as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Maybe your team needs a tool that helps them be the first to respond to changes in pending legislation—or maybe they’re looking for ways to streamline communications with legal departments, compliance, and organizers to ensure everyone is on the same page. Understanding their specific needs will help you select a solution that solves business challenges—something that motivates the team to try new technology.
Tip 2: Build Buy-In for The Tech’s Benefits
Next, consider how a solution will fit the needs of your team—and what challenges it will help them overcome. There’s no question that public policy work is evolving. Just like buy-in from key players can make or break a public policy campaign, having colleagues on your side can help you move the needle on technology adoption.
Then, make sure you understand the technology’s features and benefits. Ask yourself, what solutions are on the market and how can they make our day-to-day work easier, faster, or more efficient?
Specifically, find out:
- What are the business benefits of the new technology?
- How is each solution different or why is one better than another?
- Does the solution offer ongoing support?
- How long will it take to implement the solution?
- What’s involved in learning and adopting the tool?
- What can the solution’s online reviews or case studies tell you about fit for your organization?
Tip 3: Clarify Your Organization’s Goals and Requirements
Whenever you need to get buy-in for a new solution, you must consider the needs—and possible objections—of each stakeholder.
Your public policy team may be intrigued by the solution’s promises to save time by automating legislative tracking, for example, but your CEO and IT team will be more concerned with how it affects the organization’s budget and operations. Reach out to each department to find out what matters most to them.
Common Requirements by Stakeholder
| Decision-Makers | Solution Users | IT Department |
|---|---|---|
| Meets security needs | Intuitive and easy-to-use | Implementation documentation |
| Falls within budget | Meets workplace needs | Sensible timeline |
| Meets legal prerequisites | Makes job easier | Reasonable maintenance |
Tip 4: Build in Ongoing Communication
Naturally, your colleagues will be curious about how they will integrate the new digital tool into their routine. Keep the lines of communication open so your team knows feedback is always welcome and understands the expectations around a timeline for making the transition.
Set up a process for airing concerns, asking questions, or addressing any other issues before, during, and after implementation. In addition, let them know there will be access to resources your vendor provides—how-to guides, manuals, videos, ongoing support, or in-person training sessions.
Tip 5: Tailor Your Message to Overcome Objections
No matter their job title, everyone is most concerned with how any proposed change impacts them–whether directly as users, as team members responsible for the success of an effort, or as leadership managing a team and budget. Catering your messaging to each stakeholder’s concern can help you get a new solution approved.
In your presentation, include the points you know will resonate within your organization, including how you’ll address any potential blockers that may pop up while the team adjusts their workflow to using the tool.
One final note. We’re all naturally resistant to change. You can help set the tone for a successful solution adoption by acknowledging this fact. There’s bound to be some people who are frustrated at the beginning.
Help your team keep their eyes on the prize. A solution that improves collaboration or organizational efficiency—and ultimately positions your team to influence and win more legislative battles—is well worth the effort.
Learn More About Plural
Plural helps busy public policy professionals advance their issues by providing the most intelligent, streamlined, and collaborative public policy tracking platform available.
- Save time with automated legislative tracking
- Streamline workflows so you can respond effectively and quickly to change
- Synchronize team and partner strategy using shared workspaces
- Collaborate with internal and external teams without limit
- Modernize your team’s processes with on-demand training and support
