Yes, please shoot the messenger...or, just replace him with someone better qualified!
Who have you chosen to welcome new hires into your organization? In whom have you placed the awesome honor of introducing new employees to the legacy and culture of your organization? Who are the people who you are trusting to share your brand and behavior expectations with your newest employees?
That first “official” impression often comes from the person assigned as the new employee orientation facilitator. This person acts as an ambassador- willingly or unwillingly- and represents your organization and your brand to each new-hire who crosses the threshold. Isn’t it vitally important that this person is the right person?
Time and time again we find that organizations place this person by default and not by design. This is a huge missed opportunity. Usually he/she has been assigned because he/she is either:
- the only person who wants to stand up in front of a group
- the person who gets assigned miscellaneous tasks
- the person who has extra time
- the person who has been there the longest
- someone in HR because they have to complete the paperwork anyway...
And unfortunately this results in impressions that lack:
- inspiration
- motivation
- passion
- excitement
The importance of the person or people that you choose as the facilitators of your new employee orientation can not be overstated. New employees are often vulnerable and learn- every step of the way- what behavior is expected of them and how the organization operates. They are learning what is acceptable and what is frowned upon. They are being inculcated into your culture - beginning on day 1.
First impressions are lasting impressions. Choose your first impression wisely.
Is it time you upgraded your messenger?
For more information on New Employee Orientation:
- Check out this post: "Molding" Your New Hires
- Visit Employee Onboarding
- Schedule World-Class New Employee Orientation for your organization!
ABOUT DONNELLY EFFECT: With over 20 years of Disney leadership experience, Mike Donnelly, Chief Experience Officer (CEO) of Donnelly Effect shares his insights on Talent Selection and Hiring, Employee Onboarding, Customer Experience, Workplace Culture and Leadership- among others. Donnelly Effect is home of the exclusive "World-Class Workshop" series and offers consulting services and keynote addresses to audiences of all sizes and industries. Since 2004, Mike Donnelly has been a contracted Disney Institute Facilitator, delivering Disney training to audiences across the United States.
