Why can’t they just follow the rules?

Colleagues,

MVP: There is a lot to think about when people don’t do what we want them to do.
 
Recently I led a study of my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. 

Someone asked how to handle an employee who will not use the technology to complete a task and always asks for it to be done for her by someone else because she “just can’t understand the technology.”

Thoughts:

• Before judging, question whether doing the task is actually a good fit for using the technology.
  
• M=V/E. Meaning, if the person doesn’t see why she should spend her time on the task, the perceived effort is too high.
  
• Make sure there is an explicit, written process (standard operating process or SOP).
  
• Respond with, “Here is where you can find the process for doing that.”
  
• It can help for people to know how you can better use your time. If you do not have to manually do the task for 20 people, does that give you time to figure out X problem that is driving everyone nuts?
  
• For someone experiencing a technology barrier, they need help to grow. Teach them.
  
• In the end, it may actually be easier for you to just do it, and if that is the case then let go of the frustration.
  
  
  

Cheers!

Frederick