Seven Keys to Supporting New Employees
An employees' first 30 days are critical because that's how long it takes to
create a new behavior. Closely overseeing a new employee during that time is
necessary to ensure that you, the new hire and the current staff form new
habits that will be productive, inclusive and profitable. Here are seven
critical steps to take during that first month:
- Introduce the new hire to everyone for the first week. Yes, you may
repeat introductions, but the new employee might not remember and will be
glad you did. Say, "This is Sally Smith. Have I introduced you to her?" If
you have, it's a way to increase the connection and name recognition.
- Meet with the new hire daily for the first week and then weekly
thereafter, unless there are critical daily issues to discuss. This prevents
them from starting bad habits.
- Compliment the new hire on what they are doing right. Make it a point to
find lots of things they are doing right and focus on those.
- Get in the habit of saying, "Do this" rather than "Don't do this." That
technique works better when training on new skills or tasks.
- Acknowledge other staff on their support of the new hire.
- If the new hire is to be working with staff members, be sure the staff
know what their duties are with the new hire and have them report back to
you on progress. Make this a daily meeting the first week and weekly
thereafter.
- Celebrate at the end of the month. Throw a party-at work or elsewhere-and
congratulate everyone for what they have accomplished and who they have
become. Ask everyone to tell you and the others what they have achieved in
the last month.
From: www.lindatalley.com
