How to succeed in getting buy-in from coworkers?

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Posted on by CH-07031911-0

So! I started working in a financial processing role that seems to involve a lot of manipulation of very structured data.

As someone who came from a role that involved a lot of human-guided interventions to Outlook calendars, I know that most of these tasks should be automated.

For example, my coworker currently spends a lot of time transcribing information from one doc to the next [MS Form to Excel].

He could deploy out-of-the-box automations to save himself the odd half hour every other week.

However, as an fresh new employee, I don't want to encroach on other people's workflows and make them feel judged for having done the work they do, the way they do it.

How have you made the deployment of automations as well received as possible?

How have you developed buy-in from coworkers who may not see the benefit of gaining time back?

Any funny stories you can tell me?

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Michael E. Gernaey 52,569 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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How to succeed in getting buy-in from coworkers?

Hi @CH-07031911-0

I try to friend some of the more influential people. Get them talking about processes you think are like uggg so tedious, and then they will.

Thats when you go omg really, I was looking at ways to resolve mine and Im testing/building something now. Maybe we could do that to one of yours?

Do it once... to someone who matters, or enough people with influence even if its just them talking about it and it will happen.

Over 40 years of development, and the one of the #1 things i would hear is "I am ok with what I have".

Then I made it simple

And they were like.. umm ok there.. let's check this out.

Then you take that homerun and present it to yours and their management, showing time saved and bla bla..

It will catch on.

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David_MA 12,881 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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How to succeed in getting buy-in from coworkers?

To get buy-in from co-workers, it's crucial to first secure support from your management team. Does your management support automation initiatives and the use of tools like Power Automate? If so, discuss your willingness to develop more efficient workflows with them and brainstorm some ideas together. Implement these ideas and showcase them in team or company meetings, focusing on high-profile tasks that can demonstrate significant improvements.

Once you have implemented an automation, make sure to highlight it through your employee communication channels. Offer yourself as a consultant to help others brainstorm ideas and provide advice on how they can use automation to improve their workflows.

It's important to address the common fear that automation might replace jobs. Emphasize that automation is meant to reduce mundane, day-to-day activities, allowing employees to focus on more valuable and impactful work. Highlighting this can help alleviate concerns and show the positive side of automation.

Despite your efforts, some people may still resist change due to fear of the unknown. This is where management buy-in becomes crucial. Management can help convey the message that embracing automation is essential for the team's growth and efficiency.

Additionally, sharing personal experiences or funny stories can make your message more relatable. For example, you could mention a time when you automated a tedious task and how it positively impacted your work-life balance or productivity. This can help others see the practical benefits of automation in a more tangible way.

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Cheryl H 12 on at

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How to succeed in getting buy-in from coworkers?

Great question! Navigating feelings on the matter is the hardest part of automation!

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AndyCutler 30 on at

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How to succeed in getting buy-in from coworkers?

Don’t focus too much on the “encroaching” thing - it is a tried and tested part of Japanese improvement culture to “go to the Gemba” (the place where the work is really done and value is created).

Your colleagues will appreciate it more if you put yourself in to their environment, understand their working methods and them help them have a better life.

Things I have learned:

1. Don’t stay in the office or at your desk and tell people what they could be doing - get out there and sit with them and see what they do. Live!

2. Don’t automate things for them - show them how to automate themselves

3. Humans, by design (brain function) will always ‘move away’ from stimulus that they deem to be be either a threat or not be advantageous to their survival. So, focus your efforts on creating the right conditions for change - avoid all stimulus that creates this ‘away from’ response (don’t create stress). Once people decide for themselves i.e. ‘Believe’ that something is more advantageous for them, they will move ‘towards’ it.

Best thing I ever researched in parallel to my digital transformation / automation work was to look at the nature of Humans and ‘Change’ - what is really going on in those brains of ours?! Fascinating.

It can take time, but when automation within your workforce takes off, it can really fly. So also - be ready for that!!

Good luck!

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