Shifting to IT outsourcing can trigger uncertainty and fear within your internal teams. As you transition to outsourcing, it’s critical to address internal resistance.
While disgruntled employees may undermine your efforts, resistance isn’t necessarily bad. Your internal team’s concerns may be pivotal to establishing better processes.
To this end, our experts have outlined key tactics to reimagine internal resistance. Our tips will help you embrace a people-first transition that reduces conflict. Learn how to avoid internal resistance in your company during software development outsourcing.
Before you manage the transition to IT outsourcing, prepare your organization in advance. Check out our in-depth guide here!
Software development outsourcing can be highly beneficial for your business. This is especially the case if you’re struggling to attract IT experts in today’s market. In fact, access top talent is the #1 reason why companies choose to outsource software today.
In addition, businesses may have other motives for opting for IT outsourcing, such as:
Overall, outsourcing is ideal if you don’t have internal know-how and need expert guidance. For more, see our best use cases for IT outsourcing.
Of course, adapting to IT outsourcing may involve some growing pains. Your internal team will have to acclimate to a variety of changes, including:
Transitioning your internal team can take time, but also it requires strategic processes. Ultimately, it’s best to address resistance instead of sweeping it under the rug.
When employees feel threatened, they may try to thwart your outsourcing efforts. Opposition can quickly spread through your ranks and hinder the transition. Obviously, this can be frustrating and counter-productive to your business.
So, how to avoid internal resistance in your company during software development outsourcing?
The key is to empathize with your people.
First understand why your internal teams are disgruntled by the shift. It’s common for employees to feel like their jobs are in jeopardy. Or they have real concerns about taking on new responsibilities. Some may even create opposition to protect a company culture that they love.
Focus on your teams during this time and make them feel valued and informed. Some specific ways to do this include:
Don’t forget that internal resistance can be a tool for change as well. It's normal to want to limit destructive attitudes at your company. Yet, you can benefit from understanding the opposition, too.
For example, embracing internal resistance can help:
What's more, you can minimize resistance by having seamless transition processes in place (learn more about it in our complete guide about software development outsourcing process). Here's how to avoid internal resistance in your company during software development outsourcing.
Communication is everything when you’re undergoing significant organizational change. After all, 57% of outsourcing relationships fail due to miscommunication.
Keep your people in the loop by having an open-door communication policy. In addition, hold regular meetings, leverage collaboration tools and undergo team building.
Misalignment can create all sorts of friction between your internal and outsourced teams. To kick off your IT project, be sure to clarify your vision and objectives. Doing so enables your teams to have a shared roadmap and KPIs.
Often companies start with an MVP to integrate goals and transfer business knowledge. This initial understanding is crucial to achieving your requirements, quality standards and more.
As team roles shift, it’s vital to define and manage them so that responsibilities are clear. At first, your employees may need some time to adjust. This is particularly true if outsourced experts have “taken over” their usual functions.
Avoid stepping on any toes by assigning key responsibilities to your internal employees. Also explain why their new role is so important to the company. Demonstrating their individual value can go a long way towards team unity.
Choosing software outsourcing will inevitably alter your company culture. This isn’t necessarily negative. Embrace your new hybrid culture as much as you can. You may have opportunities to celebrate new diversity and harness remote work benefits.
Just be sure to maintain your core values and include everybody in this new culture. Focus on building community through virtual coffee meet-ups, fun Slack channels, etc.
Unresolved conflicts can fester, causing daily collaboration and productivity to suffer. If you notice something going on, try immediately to resolve it.
Usually these conflicts can be avoided altogether by having open communication lines. Work to cultivate this open atmosphere by example. Be transparent and honest to inspire your internal teams to do the same.
Making organizational changes can generate all sorts of unrealistic expectations. It’s essential to “keep it real” with your teams and stakeholders so that there aren’t any false hopes.
Integrating IT outsourcing takes time and patience to get right. Not everything will go smoothly from day 1. Manage expectations early-on so that your employees know that perfection won't happen overnight.
You’ll have to craft and revise IT processes as a united front. Be sure to celebrate when efforts are successful and regroup when challenges arise.
Know how to avoid internal resistance in your company during software development outsourcing. To facilitate the best transition, address your team’s concerns and reduce conflicts. Sometimes opposition can even be constructive for building stronger outsourcing processes.
For even better results, you should also carefully consider your IT outsourcing partner. At Netcorp, we’re driven to fully align your teams and maximize efficiencies. Reach out to us to find out how we build well-integrated teams and processes. Our seasoned developers are ready to collaborate with you and achieve high-caliber products.
Paavo Pauklin is a renowned consultant and thought leader in software development outsourcing with a decade of experience. Authoring dozens of insightful blog posts and the guidebook "How to Succeed with Software Development Outsourcing," he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Paavo hosts two influential video podcasts: “Everybody needs developers” and “Tech explained to managers in 3 minutes.” Through his extensive training sessions with organizations such as the Finnish Association of Software Companies and Estonian IT Companies Association, he's helped numerous businesses strategize, train internal teams, and find dependable outsourcing partners. His expertise offers a reliable compass for anyone navigating the world of software outsourcing.
Download the free copy of our "Software Development Outsourcing" e-book now to learn the best strategies for succeeding in outsourcing!
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