How to Overcome Fear and Embrace New Technology

The culture of risk aversion runs deep in the construction and industrial sectors. Many industries have historically placed more emphasis on safety and reliability over innovative strategies because companies understand that the cost of failure can be catastrophic. While this cautious approach has merit, this same risk-averse culture has often stifled innovation and slowed the pace of technological advancement and adoption.

Embracing new technologies, however, can greatly benefit a company by improving safety, enhancing productivity, and increasing profitability. The solution to overcoming fear and embracing new technology is creating a culture of responsible risk-taking. Here are some key approaches that can help encourage companies to take this stand:

Create Safe Spaces for Experimentation

Designating certain areas or construction projects where new technologies and processes can be tested without fear of major repercussions encourages a mindset of exploration. These "sandbox" environments can allow your teams to innovate on a small scale before rolling out successful initiatives company-wide. It also mitigates the risks associated with large-scale implementation failures and builds confidence in new approaches.

Balance Safety and Innovation and Share Success Stories

Balancing the necessity for caution with the drive for improvement requires a meticulous approach. It’s about creating a culture where new technology is seen as an avenue to enhanced safety and efficiency and not as a threat. Take for example the Cumulus Quality Execution platform: a zero-waste solution that enhances construction quality, eliminates rework and upskills workers. Cumulus integrates with existing construction site platforms to provide visibility to all work data digitally, so vital construction reports are always accessible and never lost.

Sharing success stories where you see examples of how technology has positively impacted the functions of an organization, industry, or partner company can be powerful in changing perspectives from fear to opportunity.

Reward Effort, Not Just Outcomes

Innovation inherently involves trial and error. But even if failures are inevitable, it doesn’t mean companies shouldn’t be open to creating an environment where employees feel safe to experiment, regardless of the immediate outcome. This approach shifts the focus from punitive measures for failure, to recognition of initiative and learning. When you celebrate small wins and learn from failures, you help build a culture that values innovation.

Cultivate Buy-In from Key Individuals

Implementing new technology isn't just about the product, it's about the people who use it. Successful adoption of new technology is often challenged by individuals who are resistant to change, but those who eagerly adopt new technology can counter this. These tech ambassadors are the best allies to adopt a new way of doing things by showcasing the benefits of the new technology for different tasks. Slowly but surely, the reluctant adopters will follow once most personnel are onboard.

Conclusion

It’s important that companies strike a balance between maintaining safety and fostering a culture of responsible risk-taking so they can remain competitive and be able to address the myriad challenges facing the industry. By investing in new technologies, companies can improve their competitiveness, minimize project risks, and foster a safer, more productive working environment to help shape the future of construction.