In my last blog post, I highlighted key considerations for Microsoft Teams governance. In this post, I will recommend some strategies for promoting user adoption in Teams.
Create a team for end-user support and community
Any IT-focused Microsoft Teams rollout strategy can be problematic. Business unit buy-in is fundamental to the success of the platform from an adoption and engagement perspective. A change management strategy is equally important. Change management is more than just “moving the cheese” and then sending an email telling people where you moved it.
Change management offers a more holistic approach to a Teams rollout, by providing end-user support from inception to launch. To maximize your change management strategy, create a Team within the tool to provide end-user education while getting end-users acquainted with using the tool.
Start with this basic set up of Microsoft Teams and channels:
Get-to-Know Microsoft Teams (for all users) Proposed Channel Names
- General
- Say “Hi”
- How Do I?
- Success Stories
- Feedback
- Ideas for Future Teams
- Support
- Our/My Company MS Teams Roadmap
Microsoft Teams Implementation (for stakeholders) Proposed Channel Names
- General
- Awareness and Adoption
- Business Engagement
- Early Adopter Program
- Feedback and Insights
- Security and Compliance
- Strategy and Planning
- Service Health and Incidents
- Training
- Watercooler Chat
- Office 365 Public Roadmap
Teamwork Champions (for change champions and platform enthusiasts) Proposed Channel Names
- General
- Best Practices, Training, and How-To
- Champion Corner
- Feedback and Support
- Program Leads
- Social Hub
Make Use of Yammer
Yammer is built to be a sounding board. It’s awesome as a feedback channel. Utilize Yammer to set up a public, all-access community for folks ramping up on Microsoft Teams and Office 365. This Yammer group can also be integrated into Teams as needed via a tab.
Celebrate your wins with Microsoft Teams case studies
Create internal case studies that demonstrate Teams use cases. These case studies can be a simple article, a PowerPoint file, a video, a stakeholder interview, or something bigger that brings all of these use case ideas together.
Most employees get their motivation from others. Providing case studies celebrating how people are using Teams is the best way to motivate people and show them what their peers are doing. It’s also important to celebrate both the wins and successes and challenges. Lessons learned are invaluable to ensure your employees do not repeat the same mistakes.
Case Study Format
- Name of the Team
- Goal(s) of the Team
- Teams
- Owner(s) and Leadership
- Stakeholders
- Successes
- Challenges and Lessons Learned
- What’s Next?
Post successful tips, tricks and ideas, and even questions on the Microsoft Tech Community areas. These case studies don’t have to live in one place – post them everywhere. Leverage a SharePoint Communication site to store these case studies. Use Yammer, Teams, and Stream to drive the content and awareness.
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