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”

5 ways that “offboarding” can elevate your onboarding efforts

In my book, Talent GPS: A Manager's Guide to Navigating the Employee Development Journey, my co-authors and I provided managers with easy-to-use processes throughout the entire employment lifecycle, from the initial interview through when an employee leaves the organization. While we typically focus a lot of our energy on developing employees in their roles or … Continue reading 5 ways that “offboarding” can elevate your onboarding efforts

3 Foolproof Ways to Blow New Employees Away on their First Day

Another new year is upon us, friends! 365 blank calendar squares where we can make a difference, add value, build connections and drive results. The promise and possibility of that is motivating to me, despite years and years of abandoned new habits and rarely worn gym clothes, since I'm not much of a "resolution" kind … Continue reading 3 Foolproof Ways to Blow New Employees Away on their First Day

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