Dinesh is delighted that his project, an online learning platform will be launched in his company. This will change the way employees gain business perspectives and learn from each other. He invites his HR and Communication leaders, Tanya and Vini for a discussion on the launch plan.
Dinesh: “Hello Tanya and Vini. Thank you for joining. I am very excited that we are about to launch this fantastic system. I am sure our employees will love it.”
Tanya: “I am yet to get familiar with the tool but from what you say it does sound like a cool initiative. What is your plan for launch?”
Vini: (joining the conversation) “Before that Dinesh, could you explain the rationale behind this decision? Why do we need this tool? What wasn’t working currently and how do you think our employees will perceive it?”
Dinesh: “No problem. Our employees have always wanted something like this – an opportunity to reach out and learn from each other. They sought a place where it can be managed centrally rather than going through a bureaucratic process of approvals to take trainings externally or internally.”
Tanya: “I hear you. So we have moved the learning modules online and it is now a faster way to learn, right?”
Dinesh: “Right. It also improves how we manage our budgets better”.
Vini: “You haven’t explained how employees will perceive this? What will motivate them to participate and use this tool?”
Dinesh: “Ah yes, I feel they will enjoy the new experience of moving online. Our audience is young and they are all web savvy – so guessing it will be a breeze. Also, we plan to give some give-aways for people to join the tool online. I am keen to get a high participation rates. ”
Vini: “Give-aways? Why? What is the measure of success?”
Dinesh: “You know how it is – people love to get freebies and incentives to participate. No harm in giving them a reason!”
Tanya: “Hmm. I am unsure if that is the right approach. Does it not give the feeling that we are enticing employees to do what they are expected to do? Learning is fundamental in life. It is their company and their learning tool. So they should better use it, right?”
Dinesh: “I disagree. Our employees are busy and don’t have the time. They must be coaxed to participate and learn”.
Vini (shaking his head): “This is not right. It goes against our values and culture! Can we rethink the approach again?”
Dinesh is unimpressed. He feels it is the right approach to take and doesn’t understand the resistance he is facing.
What do you think? How can you help Dinesh be successful?
