Digital transformation: what if skeptics became your strongest allies?

In every transformation project, there are always two types of people. Those who immediately see the potential of change, and those who, on the contrary, fear it.

The former get excited about new possibilities, productivity gains, and simplified processes. The latter, often labeled as resistant or skeptical, worry about losing their bearings, their efficiency, or simply their comfort. And they are precisely the ones who deserve special attention.

Ignoring them puts your transformation at risk of failure

Many companies focus their efforts on the most enthusiastic employees, assuming they will naturally become ambassadors of change. But experience shows the opposite: skeptics often determine the success or failure of a digital project.

Ignoring them means:

• Risking partial adoption or outright rejection of the new tool.
• Creating a divide between teams who are “on board” and those who feel they are “being subjected” to change.
• Losing credibility with employees who feel excluded.

Involving them, on the other hand, turns resistance into leverage.

Behind every “no” lies valuable insight

Behind every objection is a legitimate reason: a fear, a field constraint, or a misunderstood need.

An employee who says “this will never work” is not necessarily rejecting the technology. More often, they are expressing discomfort with a process that does not reflect their day-to-day reality. And that reality is what makes the difference between a theoretical tool and a truly useful solution. By involving these users early in the process, their concerns become meaningful contributions.

An approach focused on co-creation and real-world use

At Altevo, we believe the success of a digital project depends just as much on users as it does on code.
That’s why, before writing a single line, we:

• Map stakeholders to identify critical profiles and sensitive points.
• Organize co-creation workshops where users can express their needs, pain points, and ideas.
• Quickly put prototypes in their hands to test workflows, refine interfaces, and confront theory with practice.
• Continuously close the feedback loop so the product evolves with teams, not against them.

This approach does not slow down the project. It anchors it in reality and ensures smooth adoption from day one.

When resistance becomes a driver

In our mandates, we have seen initially resistant employees become the strongest advocates of a new tool. Why? Because they felt heard, involved, and respected.
Involving skeptics means giving them a role, a voice, and responsibility in the success of the change. It also means acknowledging that digital transformation is first and foremost a human change, before being a technological one.

Natural, lasting adoption driven by everyone

By putting users at the center of the process, especially the most skeptical ones, you get software that is:

• Designed with and for users.
• Aligned with real-world conditions.
• Naturally adopted by teams.

A successful digital transformation is not about deploying a tool. It is a cultural shift, where technology amplifies team expertise rather than replacing it.

Conclusion

The success of a project is not measured by the number of features delivered, but by the number of people who adopt them with enthusiasm.
The key? Listen. Involve. Co-create. And never underestimate the power of a “no” that, when properly supported, can become a powerful driver of change.

**You are preparing a digital transformation project? ** Discover how Altevo helps companies design solutions that are adopted by everyone, from day one. Schedule a meeting with our team altevo.ca/rdv