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….

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”

10 Things You Learned in Kindergarten That Will Make You a Better Facilitator

Do you remember the book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? Recently, I came across a copy of Robert Fulghum's inspirational collection of essays and remembered a high school teacher had a poster with excerpts from this book in her classroom. While I recall looking at the poster, and even reading … Continue reading 10 Things You Learned in Kindergarten That Will Make You a Better Facilitator

Happy 2015! What’s Your Resolution?

Happy New Year, Phase(Two)Nation! After a wonderful break for the holidays, phase(two)learning is back in full swing for 2015. Not only have I taken a blogging break, but I also enjoyed a near-total "digital detox" - I've been laying low on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, clearing the perpetual noise, hanging out with my family and … Continue reading Happy 2015! What’s Your Resolution?

What To Do With Those 2014 Professional Development Budget Dollars?

Believe it or not, 2014 is quickly coming to an end. It doesn't seem possible, does it? If you're like many L&D leaders, now is the time you're looking at your annual department budget, and quickly trying to spend some of your allocated dollars, so you don't have to hear this: "If you didn't need … Continue reading What To Do With Those 2014 Professional Development Budget Dollars?

Hiring Managers: These 5 Questions Are On Your New Employee’s Mind (so prepare for them!)

During the interview and selection process, it can be easy for a hiring manager or company to forget that the new employee is interviewing the company, manager and team just as much as the company is looking for the best candidate for the job. Recruiters, HR leaders and managers spend so much time narrowing a … Continue reading Hiring Managers: These 5 Questions Are On Your New Employee’s Mind (so prepare for them!)

How to be Thankful for Change

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. A day to spend with loved ones, eating all kinds of deliciousness, and simply taking time to reflect on what matters most. I can't think of anything better! This year, I've been particularly astute to the idea of change. Whether professional or personal, it seems that change has … Continue reading How to be Thankful for Change

Phase(Two)Learning Encore: Assume Nothing

phase(two)learning is taking a week off...so for today's post, please enjoy this encore of a favorite phase(two)learning post from 2012. See you next week! This afternoon, I went to my friendly neighborhood convenience store for some caffeinated refreshment (if you’ve checked out my About tab, you’ll remember that I have a “wicked caffeine addiction”).  While … Continue reading Phase(Two)Learning Encore: Assume Nothing

ANNOUNCEMENT: Does Your New Employee Orientation Program Need an Overhaul?

  We've been hinting around at a big announcement for the past few weeks, and here it is!  By popular demand, we are excited to announce the newest public workshop offering from phase(two)learning! Join us March 9-10, 2015 for Orientation Overhaul: Re-imagining the New Employee Experience in your Organization! New Employee Orientation is often a … Continue reading ANNOUNCEMENT: Does Your New Employee Orientation Program Need an Overhaul?