On-boarding… sounds like a surfing term, doesn’t it? Do you have a mental picture of business professionals catching a big wave? Managerial on-boarding is actually a process of acquiring new managers and then providing tools and activities to help them succeed in the shortest period of time. It is also called managerial assimilation, integration, or orientation.
Most organizations are great about the “acquisition” part of on-boarding. Unfortunately, after the new manager assumes their role, they are often thrown in the deep end to either “sink or swim.” There is an assumption that the new manager has the skills to handle his or her own assimilation in their new role and, if hired from the outside, their new company.
Just as it is important to offer orientation to new employees, it is also critical to create a planned approach to ensure the new manager’s success. Here are a few approaches to consider for on-boarding your new managers:
- Provide the “Tools of the Trade” – On day one, you probably equip your new managers with office supplies and equipment. Other tools that may be even more important are information tools: key contact numbers and emails, budget, authority levels, how to order supplies, system passwords, etc.
- Goal Setting – New managers need to understand the mission and goals of the organization so they can establish goals and objectives for their department. Getting the involvement of their front line team members is important since they will know the barriers that may exist in achieving the goals.
- Relationship Building Activities – A structured approach can be used to build the relationships necessary for successful collaboration and cooperation. Teambuilding activities or one-on-one discussions with the new manager’s team of employees are very effective. Be sure to introduce the new manager to their key contacts and other managers.
- Establish Expectations – It is important for the new manager to understand their manager’s expectations. Expectations should include what the new manager is to accomplish in their first 90, 120, 180 days and so on.
To discuss ideas for your on-boarding program, contact us at info@ManagementSkillsInc.com or call 972 881 -5282. Training workshops are available to successfully on-board your new managers.