Last year we lost our 13-year-old Dog, he was a little Pomeranian named Desmond. The house was so empty without him, so my wife and I immediately went out and added a new addition to our family, he’s now a 14 pound Pomsky named J.J. and he’s really sweet.
It’s been over 13 years since we’ve had a new puppy in our home and something I had forgotten but now fully aware. Puppies are a Hell of a Lot of WORK!
Before we brought him home we had a really great plan on how to potty train him, where he would sleep, how we would behave and all sorts of grand ideas about bringing him into the family. Well as I’m sure you can guess J.J. seems to have a mind of his own and his plan is completely different from ours.
Just when we think he has some things figured out the way we want him to, he goes off and tears into a new pair of shoes or socks. Last week he was going outside to do his business, this week he has found a corner in the living room that seems to suit his needs much better. The minute we take our eyes off him, he’s off doing something he shouldn’t be doing. I have to tell you I’m exhausted!!
While my guess is you’re entertained with our new puppy exploits, you’re probably wondering how any of this is relevant to you and your business.
Well, many of the organizations I’m working with are growing and expanding. Over the past 12 months you’ve been hiring new team members and finally filling some positions to meet the growing demands of the business. As you bring in new people to your teams, I’m sure you’re as excited as my family was about our new addition. Once that excitement wanes, however, you’ll be reminded, as I have been, that adding a new employee is a tremendous responsibility and a ton of work.
Think about all the ways your new team member will need to get acclimated to their new role, not to mention the nuances of your business and your team. How will they get along with the rest of the team? How will they know exactly what to do? It’s easy to assume that your new hire will “just know” what to do and where to go because they don’t stop and ask for help. Mistakes are made by concluding, “they must know” because they didn’t ask.
Consider instead whether you’ve made it clear to them that it’s ok to ask; that it’s good to ask; that you expect them to ask rather than wonder, assume, or guess. Each new team member has a different set skills and expectations regarding the workplace. Your job is to learn them and meet each team member where they are at.
Do you remember what it’s like to be the new team member?
How willing were you to step up and say, “I don’t understand.” Also, just because they get something right, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to validate and reinforce their understanding to make sure it sticks. You know from experience that the minute you take your eye off them, they could make a mess all over your workplace, or worse get lost or run away out of frustration.
Yes my friends, if you’re getting ready to make some new additions to your teams in the coming months remember it’s a lot like getting that new puppy. Even if you have a well thought out plan remember, everyone is unique, and their plan may be a bit different from your plan. Meet each team member where they are.
The good news is that if you put in the effort early on, stay available for them to create the right habits and expectations from day one (without micro-managing), treat them as individuals with dignity and respect, and meet them exactly where they are, well then they will pay you back 10 times the amount with a lifetime of loyalty, productivity, and happiness!
This week ask yourself:
How am I preparing for my new addition to the workplace?
What training have I set up to help them succeed?
What is my plan to meet them where they are?
How much of my own time have I set aside to invest in this new team member?
What are my plans to let them know that it’s ok to ask questions, ask for help; that it’s good to ask for help?
Cheers to your and your continued success and welcoming your new additions
One Quarter Turn at a Time
Coach Tim
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