Your new hire will show up bright and early on their first day at work, ready to get to work. But what happens when they do?
They’ll probably start by introducing themselves to the receptionist and making their way to their office. Once they find their office, they’ll look to you for direction because they have no idea what they’re supposed to be doing.
Don’t let this happen to your team. Take the time to set them up for success so you can get the most out of the money you spend on hiring them.
While you can’t stop uncertainty from showing up, you can plan for it. Want to find out how to plan for executive onboarding? Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the process.
1. Pre-Boarding and Orientation
Preboarding is the period of time that takes place prior to orientation when the business and potential executive are in the process of deciding on the terms of the executive’s position. The company should consider the executive’s skills and experience to determine the areas of improvement needed for new leader onboarding.
The company should also give the executive detailed information on the job itself, such as:
- project timelines
- deliverables
- reporting requirements
Orientation should include introducing the executive to key personnel and a tour of the facility. Cornerstone Search Group can ensure a seamless integration for new executives, setting them up for success within the organization.
2. Clarifying Expectations and Goals
The executive should meet with senior leadership to discuss their main roles and responsibilities, the desired outcomes they are to accomplish, and the timeframe in which these outcomes should be met. It is important for the expectations to be clearly expressed and to match the vision of the organization to ensure successful integration.
This can include:
- increasing revenue
- decreasing costs
- creating more efficient processes
Outlining specifics for these goals can help the executive better understand their role and become more effective in their position.
3. Immersion and Learning
Immersive activities help to familiarize the executive with the teams, projects, and challenges related to the position. Learning opportunities should focus on a wide range of issues, from roles and responsibilities to business goals and objectives. Executives should also be provided with an understanding of the corporate hierarchy, influencers, key stakeholders, and departments.
An effective executive onboarding plan requires a tailored approach that includes activities such as:
- spending time with senior leaders
- understanding the strategic goals
- financial objectives and processes
- participating in team activities
- importance of collaboration
Informal discussions with peers, senior leaders, and staff help to create connections and allow the executive to acquire information that formal activities do not offer.
4. Building Relationships
Building relationships across the team is key as the executive must understand their role and purpose within the team, their colleagues, and the company. This may include:
- reading materials
- meeting the rest of the team
- understanding the company’s policies
This can be achieved through openly communicating with team members and asking for their feedback and opinions. Furthermore, open communication between the executive and their supervisor is important to ensure needs and expectations are being met.
Start Executive Onboarding More Effectively
Executive onboarding can be a difficult process, but with the right plan, it can be a smooth and easy transition. By following these key steps, executives can get their new team up to speed quickly and efficiently. Now that you know the basics of executive onboarding, why not get started today and reap the benefits of seamless integration for your team?
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