Embarking on the quest to introduce new software into a business is akin to an adventure in Middle-earth. Like Frodo Baggins’ journey to Mordor, it can get political and will require strategic alliances!

In the world of business, the key to success lies in winning over your key stakeholders, especially those who, once convinced, can sway the majority and turn naysayers into advocates.

Here are our top tips:

Win over the ‘Middle Earthers’ 

In the lore of Middle earth, the inhabitants of this realm are diverse, resilient, and pivotal in the fight against darkness. These ‘middle earthers’ are the middle managers, the paralegals and senior associates. They bridge the gap between the junior employees, who are often the ones open to new tools that can simplify their workloads, and the decision-making partners and heads of departments, who might be more resistant to change.

Why Middle Earthers Matter 

Convincing the middle earthers can be a game-changer because it turns your minority of advocates into the majority. These individuals often have a clear view of the operational challenges and the benefits that new technology can bring. They interact closely with junior employees, understanding their struggles with administrative tasks and recognising the potential of estate planning software to streamline processes. By winning over the middle earthers, you create a ripple effect that influences the broader team, gradually turning sceptics into supporters.

Junior Employees: The Early Adopters  

Junior employees are the Hobbits of our story—they are unassuming but crucial to the success of the mission. They are typically the ones burdened with the administrative grunt work that estate planning software is designed to alleviate. Their openness to adopting new software stems from a desire to simplify their day-to-day tasks, their digital savviness and their willingness to save time on repetitive tasks.

The Decision Makers: Partners and Heads of Departments 

Partners and heads of departments are often preoccupied with strategic decisions rather than the more operational tasks. While they hold the power to approve or veto the adoption of new software, their distance from day-to-day operations can make them less receptive to change.

The Naysayers a.k.a The Orks 

Just like the battle of Helm’s Deep was a crucial turning point, where the forces of good (despite overwhelming odds) triumphed over Saruman’s Ork army – winning over the naysayers requires a similar and determined approach. 

Identifying the most influential naysayers and winning them round by addressing their concerns head-on is key to winning the battle. Share tangible evidence, provide extra resources and training, keep an open dialogue and pair them up with an enthusiastic key user.  

Additionally, convincing the undecided members of your team, the ‘middle earthers’ can significantly strengthen the collective desire for the software too and will be a vital component to your success. It’s important for everyone to grasp how the software enhances efficiency, uniformity and accuracy for their job roles and demonstrating its potential to save both time and money will also help persuade decision-makers.

Organisations can utilise our ROI calculator to determine their potential savings, which can be included in their business case.

Don’t Forget the Importance of a Good Onboarding Plan 

Just as Frodo needed guidance and support on his journey, your team will require a well-structured onboarding plan to navigate the transition to new software. A robust onboarding process is essential for minimising downtime and ensuring a smooth experience for all stakeholders, particularly those who were initially unsure about the change to begin with.

Elements of an Effective Onboarding Plan 

• Comprehensive Training: Find a partner that can provide thorough training sessions and training resources, like pre-recorded videos or click-through guides.  

• Ongoing Support: Working with a software provider that offers effective support makes such a huge difference to the adoption and satisfaction of your team. Find a partner who has a support team, rather than online-only resources.  

• Develop a Feedback Mechanism Early: Create channels for users to provide feedback on their experiences and suggest improvements. Work with software partners who can offer you a single point of contact for your needs, this can help identify and resolve pain points early, fostering a sense of involvement and ownership among stakeholders.

By investing in a solid onboarding plan, you can ease the transition, reduce resistance, and ensure that all team members—from junior employees to senior decision-makers—feel confident and supported as they adopt the new software. 

Winning over the stakeholders in your business to adopt estate planning software requires a strategic approach akin to an epic quest in Middle-earth. By focusing on the middle earthers and leveraging the enthusiasm of junior employees, you can create a groundswell of support that influences even the most sceptical decision-makers. Additionally, with a robust onboarding plan in place, you can ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the new software, transforming your business operations for the better. 

To find out how Arken.legal can support you as you adopt estate planning software, take a look at our support options.