Hey everyone,
I’m the project management tool admin at my company. Lately, I’ve been swamped with automation requests. It seems like after I set up a few automatic processes, everyone wants everything automated!
Don’t get me wrong, automation is great. But I think some tasks should still be done manually to keep the team working together and accountable.
Another issue I’m facing is new users asking for changes before they even know how to use the system properly. They often make requests that don’t make sense because they haven’t taken the time to learn the basics or test things out themselves.
Has anyone else dealt with similar problems? How do you handle the automation craze and impatient new users?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!
I’ve found that setting clear criteria for automation requests can be a game-changer. We implemented a policy where requests must demonstrate a significant time-saving benefit or error reduction to be considered. This approach naturally filtered out less impactful requests.
For new users, we created a mandatory 30-day ‘learning period’ before they could submit change requests. This encouraged them to fully explore the system’s capabilities first. We also paired newcomers with experienced users as mentors, which reduced premature requests and fostered better understanding.
Remember, it’s crucial to communicate the value of some manual processes in maintaining team cohesion and accountability. Don’t be afraid to explain why certain tasks are better left non-automated. Balancing efficiency with effective teamwork is key in project management.
ive been there, man. it’s a balancing act. maybe set up a request form with guidelines? that way, ppl have to think before askin. for newbies, try makin some quick tutorials or cheat sheets. it’ll save u time in the long run. good luck!
As someone who’s been in your shoes, I totally get the frustration. One approach that worked wonders for me was implementing a ‘cooling off’ period for automation requests. We set up a system where users had to submit their ideas and wait for a week before we’d consider them. This gave people time to really think through their needs and often led to more thoughtful, valuable automation suggestions.
For the newcomers, I found that mandatory orientation sessions were a game-changer. We’d walk them through the basics and show them how to troubleshoot common issues. It cut down on unnecessary requests dramatically and empowered users to solve problems on their own.
Remember, it’s okay to say no sometimes. Not every task needs to be automated, and maintaining that human touch in project management is crucial. Stick to your guns when necessary, but always be ready to explain your reasoning. It’s a tough job, but you’ve got this!