Orientation Overhaul: Scheduling a realistic first day for new employees

For about the 10,000th time in my career, I had a conversation with someone about Day One need-to-have content vs. nice-to-have content vs. there-is-absolutely-NO-need-for-new-employees-to-experience-this-on-their-first-day content. Even now, 20 years into my career, I find myself surprised at just how much content some (well-meaning) people feel is necessary to shove into one day. So today, we're … Continue reading Orientation Overhaul: Scheduling a realistic first day for new employees

The important distinction between “orientation” and “onboarding”

I recently read an article about - you guessed it - onboarding, and a statement stuck with me...the author was defining new employee orientation at a high level, and then went on to define onboarding. The author suggested that, "Onboarding is often described as 'orientation on steroids.'" This was unsettling to me in a few … Continue reading The important distinction between “orientation” and “onboarding”

Your onboarding strategy might need a reboot if….

Do you remember the old "You might be a redneck..." comedy bit from a few years back? It seems like you couldn't go anywhere without seeing a Jeff Foxworthy standup routine on television or seeing a book about it. Even though it's been several years since its peak, you still see those jokes bubble up … Continue reading Your onboarding strategy might need a reboot if….

If you’re having trouble relating to new employees, do this…

A few weeks ago at the day job, I was meeting with a couple of people on my team, discussing two training programs that we are in the process of updating. One of the programs is part of our onboarding process; new employees participate in the program between 30-60 days post-hire. The team member who … Continue reading If you’re having trouble relating to new employees, do this…

What are your existing employees telling your new employees?

A lot of my blog inspiration comes from casual observations as I'm out-and-about. Today's post comes from a brief conversation I overheard while waiting for an elevator, between an existing employee (Brendon) and a new employee: Brendon: Today was your first day, right? How did it go? I'm Brendon, I'm the Director of Client Experience. … Continue reading What are your existing employees telling your new employees?

Onboarding is not a “Nice-to-Have”

I had a brief conversation with a consultant and business owner at a networking event a few months ago, where the topic drifted to the new employee experience. We were discussing a few general best practices and he probed why onboarding is the niche market I choose to serve in my consulting practice. Trying not … Continue reading Onboarding is not a “Nice-to-Have”

4 Tips for Increasing Authenticity in your Onboarding Program

  For several years now, I have had the (insanely fun) opportunity to consult with organizations and speak at conferences about the need for strategic, impactful onboarding and improving the new employee experience. I've had conversations over countless cups of coffee with HR leaders, training facilitators, talent development professionals and other industry friends about how … Continue reading 4 Tips for Increasing Authenticity in your Onboarding Program

Why do leaders care about onboarding?

It's one of many million-dollar-questions in the business of "talent" these days. Why do our leaders and executives care about onboarding? I attended a conference session last week led by Tamar Elkeles, Ph.D., a former Chief Learning Officer of the Year during her longtime tenure with Qualcomm. Dr. Elkeles had some no-nonsense insight into the … Continue reading Why do leaders care about onboarding?

Why “Lean In” Made Me Step Back for a Moment

Over the past few years, the Lean In movement has become a highly influential, inspirational voice for professional women around the world. As a professional female, I appreciate the message and encouragement. As the mother of a teenage son (today, at the time of this writing, is actually his 15th birthday!) and a college-aged daughter, I … Continue reading Why “Lean In” Made Me Step Back for a Moment