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”

Onboarding Should be Relational, not Transactional

Sometimes, it's the smallest things that get under a person's skin and drives. them. absolutely. crazy. For me, it's the term "new hire." Seems innocent, right? I'm sure about 99.2% of people in the free world wouldn't think twice about the expression, but it's one I simply cannot stand. In fact, I told my friend Brian the … Continue reading Onboarding Should be Relational, not Transactional

Top 10 Posts About Onboarding

It's summer vacation for phase(two)learning! For the next two weeks, please enjoy this recap of favorite phase(two)learning blog posts! Look for fresh, new content in July! If you've been following this blog for long, you'll know that onboarding is a topic that I could talk about all day. A solid onboarding program can have a … Continue reading Top 10 Posts About Onboarding

Pinterest for Onboarding: Part One

Ah, Pinterest.  The (addicting!) social media darling. This site has opened my eyes to everything from new recipes, to travel inspiration, to shoes and handbags (swoon!) and home decor ideas...and about 1001 other things.  I even post links to this blog and other things that inspire me on a Pinterest board.  Such fun! Pinterest is … Continue reading Pinterest for Onboarding: Part One

3 Questions Every New Manager Should Ask

When people think of "onboarding", many people often think of "orientation".  Even the most seasoned learning professionals are guilty of this!  If you've read this earlier post, you'll remember that we explored this topic, but it bears further exploration... Orientation is part of onboarding, but not all onboarding is orientation! So, let's think beyond the … Continue reading 3 Questions Every New Manager Should Ask

An Open Letter to Hiring Managers

Dear Hiring Manager, Monday morning, your new employee will be walking through the front door of your company, eager to begin his new job on your team.  How much time have you invested in planning his onboarding? Yes, you.  How much time have YOU spent planning his onboarding? Notice I didn't ask how much time … Continue reading An Open Letter to Hiring Managers

Onboarding Surveys Tell the Story

We live in a world of surveys.  Please answer our customer satisfaction survey.  Please rate your salesperson's performance.  Please tell us about your experience.  Please let us know how we can better meet your needs.  Please!  Please!  Please!  Organizations are going to extensive measures to capture "the voice of the customer" - ponying up discounts, … Continue reading Onboarding Surveys Tell the Story