How to Evangelize RPA within Your Organization

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has the power to transform organizations by automating routine tasks and freeing up employees for higher-value work. But for organizations to reap the full benefits of RPA, they need wide adoption across departments.

This requires properly evangelizing RPA — generating enthusiasm and spreading the word about its potential. Yet many organizations struggle to move beyond early adopter teams. This article discusses how to evangelize RPA within your organization and gain wider buy-in.

Here we will cover educating yourself and others, demonstrating value through pilots, identifying champions, providing training and support, measuring results, and continuously communicating to build momentum for RPA adoption across your organization.

The right strategy is critical

Strategy is crucial to succeed. The right plan maximizes the chances of achieving goals. A bad strategy means failure no matter the effort. So, think carefully before choosing a strategy. Begin by knowing your objectives. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Study current conditions and market trends.

Then consider multiple strategic options. Weigh the pros and cons of each. Select the most effective plan that exploits strengths and opportunities. Make the strategy simple with clear action steps. Remain flexible to change if needed. Also, communicate it clearly to your team.

Constantly review results and new information. Adjust the strategy accordingly. Implementing the right strategy from the start dramatically increases your likelihood of success. You provide direction, focus resources properly, and motivate your team by showing a clear path forward. So think strategically from the beginning.

The Link between employee engagement and RPA Success

The link between employee engagement and Robotic Process Automation success is critical. RPA uses software robots to automate routine tasks, freeing up employees for higher-value work. But RPA will only deliver benefits when employees fully support and use the technology. Engaged employees embrace change rather than resist it. They also understand how RPA helps the organization and their own roles.

With engagement comes proper usage, input for improvements, and support to expand RPA applications. Disengaged employees may see RPA as a threat rather than an opportunity. They are less likely to provide crucial feedback and champion the technology. So communication, training, and involving employees in RPA decisions from the start are vital to gain engagement and maximize the success of your RPA initiatives. Empowered, engaged employees will also ensure RPA truly transforms your organization.

Where should companies start to develop the right strategy?

Developing the right strategy starts with understanding yourself. Companies should begin by clarifying their vision, mission, and values. This provides the foundation for all strategic decisions.

Companies then need to assess their current situation. This includes evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. An honest assessment of resources, competencies, and market position is critical. Once the current reality is clear, companies can identify goals and objectives to achieve their vision. Objectives should also be specific, measurable, and time-bound.

With vision, assessment, and objectives in place, companies can consider alternative strategic options. They should evaluate each option based on fit with objectives, capabilities, and risks. The best strategy will also build on strengths, seize opportunities, and addresses threats. It will be simple, focused, and flexible.

The right principles shape the right approach

Principles provide the foundation for the right approach. Strong principles shape an effective strategy and guide decisions that create value. Rather than jumping straight to solutions, identifying the right principles comes first. Look within to discover core values and beliefs that define your unique approach. Ask why you do what you do and what truly matters most. Reflect on lessons from experience and the outcomes you desire.

From values and purpose, derive principles that capture your philosophy in simple rules. Principles guide priorities and trade-offs, performance metrics, and employee conduct. They help determine what to automate outsource or bring in-house. Communicate principles clearly and consistently. Embed them in systems, policies, and daily conversations. This also ensures the whole organization understands and embodies the right approach.

Elements of an effective advocacy and communication plan

Some of the most critical elements of an effective communication plan are-

Proactive, ongoing communications

Proactive communication keeps employees informed and engaged. Ongoing communication builds support for changes and initiatives.

Actively reach out to employees through multiple channels. Explain the whys behind decisions. Answer questions promptly. Repeatedly provide updates as plans evolve. Make communications interactive to gather feedback.

Don’t wait for employees to ask questions. Take the initiative to share relevant information early and often. Over-communicate during periods of uncertainty. Also, repetition increases understanding and buy-in.

A dedicated portal

A dedicated employee portal facilitates ongoing internal communication. Build a mobile-friendly portal accessible to all staff anytime. Post Company updates, news, policy changes, and announcements.

Highlight department features and employee achievements. Provide access to human resource documents, benefits information, and employee handbook. Link to training courses and development resources. Allow two-way communication through message boards, polls, and suggestion boxes.

Easy access to timely, useful information through a dedicated portal also strengthens employee connections to the company’s mission and culture.

Personas

Personas summarize key user groups and needs. Create fictional characters representing users. Describe personas’ goals, pain points, and frustrations. Include demographics, job role, and technology usage. Refer to personas when designing products and services. Personas help focus on usefulness and ease of use for relevant user groups. Also, test ideas and solutions against personas to ensure they meet real user needs.

Stakeholder meetings

Meet with key stakeholders to gather input and feedback. Hold meetings at project starts and key milestones. Explain goals, timeline, and expected outcomes clearly. Ask stakeholders about their needs and priorities. Discuss constraints, challenges, and potential risks. Compile notes and action items from each discussion. Also, provide regular updates after meetings.

Conclusion

Evangelizing RPA within your organization requires passion, persistence, and continuous communication. Start by educating yourself thoroughly about RPA and its benefits. Clearly articulate the business case to gain buy-in from executives. Pilot small projects to prove ROI.

Then engage champions across departments who can spread the word. Make training and support widely available. Constantly measure and showcase results to build momentum. With the right training, communication, and demonstration of value, RPA can transform your organization from the ground up when properly evangelized.