Hiring a bad hire can impact the company, the team, and the hiring manager both financially and be damaging to the reputation of those involved. For a small business, where the owner makes the first hires can cause huge havoc due to mismatched style or approach. Many times, you must come across bad hires to finally find the right hire for your business. Usually, new hires turn into bad hires due to an inadequate onboarding strategy. The lack of an effective onboarding strategy can truly make or break the success of an individual joining a team. This article mentions the tips for a strategic onboarding process:
Announcement: After hiring a new individual, announce it to the team or the office. It must include information about who the new hire is along with the reason behind them being hired and the position secured by them. The company must organize a lunch or happy hour gathering to help new hires make connections and friends.
Prior to the first day: Stay in regular contact with your new hire. Mail the paperwork in advance to help them complete it before their first day. Include them in communications to help them get familiar with the current projects and happenings before their first day. It helps to build a sense of community before they start working.
Critical stakeholders: Help the new hires understand the formal hierarchies and understand the critical stakeholders. State why the people are critical and make introductions with them before you send them into the deep end of work.
Informal stakeholders: The new hires should be introduced to informal networks and work structures. It is important to help them understand the go-to people, gatekeepers, and connectors.
Jargon busting: Each company has its language and jargon that is formed by acronyms, inside-jokes, and phrases. Share a context to your inside jokes to include the new hire into the laughs and a translation dictionary to help them with their work.
Myths and legends: Share stories that help the new hire understand the culture of the company. Debunk any myths that might negatively impact their confidence or approach.
Rules of engagement: Each new hire, be it a fresher or a veteran of the industry should be explained the rules of engagement and the corporate etiquette that ensures success. Do not assume that they will know or work it out. Though that happens, it usually comes with a cost. It is always better to articulate the ways you conduct the business.
The small stuff: Address the small stuff such as which number is needed to dial an outside line, how to use the photocopy machine or where the restrooms are. The little things can be frustrating when the new hire is trying their best.
Apart from everything, it is necessary to implement fun into your onboarding strategy.
