Overcoming Bias in Your SharePoint Journey

Navigating bias based on perceptions is something we all deal with—whether based on appearance, gender, age, cultural background, educational background, or whether you like pineapple on pizza 🍕+🍍. Assumptions based on perceptions can shape how we are seen and treated, even if the assumption does not reflect reality.

From my own personal perspective, my vocal cords are damaged, leaving my voice soft and easily fatigued. My quietness is often mistaken for shyness, but I constantly evaluate situations to avoid unnecessary speaking to conserve my voice. It's frustrating to be misunderstood based on superficial perceptions. Still, I've learned to handle it with resilience (mostly 😀) and determination, and I use my not speaking time to constantly improve my listening skills—not just hearing but actively listening.

My personal experience is an excellent example of perception bias, and it mirrors a broader challenge that I often see organizations face when planning and implementing technologies like SharePoint Online. Users frequently approach SharePoint Online with preconceived ideas from their experiences with older systems like file shares or legacy SharePoint. 

Perception bias can be a significant barrier to the adoption of SharePoint Online. Stakeholders may perceive SharePoint Online as overly complex or unnecessary simply because it differs from their familiar systems. Their expectations shape their experience, leading them to resist change and cling to familiar, albeit less efficient, methods. Moreover, biases can lead to unfair demands being placed on others because of the belief that they're lacking in some way. For instance, just as some might assume I'm shy and need to speak up more, stakeholders might insist on clinging to outdated processes because they perceive the new system as inadequate, not like old SharePoint, or too challenging.

Overcoming this bias requires more than technical training; it demands a strategic approach to change management and empathy. Listen to and consider your users' needs and how they relate to the tangible benefits of SharePoint Online in a way that resonates with users and addresses business needs. Highlight how its flat hierarchy and advanced search capabilities make information more accessible, and its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools can streamline their business processes. Who wouldn't benefit from a little Power Automate in their work life?

This bias is particularly evident in my own career. Despite my voice being quiet and prone to vanishing, my past and present roles require me to speak frequently with colleagues, users, and customers. If you compare this to the bias some might hold, it's clear that their assumptions do not align with reality. Their bias is just that—a bias, not a reflection of actual capability or experience. Similarly, users might assume that the platform won't meet their needs regarding SharePoint Online because it operates differently from what they're used to. They might demand customizations (because we customized legacy SharePoint all the time!) or cling to old methods simply because they believe the new system is lacking, not realizing that their bias is clouding their judgment.

The most successful SharePoint Online projects I've led have all had a common thread: robust involvement from all stakeholders, comprehensive adoption and change management strategies, effective communication, and active user engagement, along with training. When users are involved from the beginning, and their concerns are addressed through clear communication and targeted training, the transition is smoother and reduces resistance. This collaborative approach helps dismantle biases, ensuring the new system is embraced rather than resisted. Nothing says "team player" like getting everyone on board the SharePoint Express rather than dragging them kicking and screaming.

Ultimately, just as I've learned to navigate and overcome the biases others may hold about me, organizations must address the biases that users bring to new technologies. Your SharePoint project will benefit everyone involved by acknowledging and tackling these biases head-on, involving all key players, and employing effective change management.