Avoid information overload during onboarding process

Thu 11 April 2024

Avoid Overwhelming a New Hire During Onboarding

A great onboarding experience can keep new hires engaged and committed, and increase their preparedness for the job. But there's such a thing as too much onboarding—overloading a new hire with so much information that they're left feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied. Here's how to keep things manageable.

(1) Dose information slowly.

 Learning is a gradual process that requires more than a week or two for a new hire. Begin the onboarding process with the essential basics, clarifying their relevance along the way. Then build on this foundation in a logical sequence over time.

(2) Provide realistic expectations and responsibilities—and make sure they align with the job description. 

Then set manageable goals (both short and longer-term). Be sure to communicate a vision of what your organization is working to accomplish, and how your new hire is contributing to the big picture.

(3) Minimize insider terminology. 

You want to ensure that your new hire feels a deep sense of belonging from day one. Too much organizational jargon or too many acronyms can leave your employee feeling like an outsider. Be mindful of the language you use, and err on the side of over-explaining. You might even consider putting together a glossary of organizational terms.

This tip is adapted from “Onboarding New Employees—Without Overwhelming Them,” by Julia Phelan

R U a micro manager ? Hands on ? Litmus test

Friday 05 April 2024

Are You Micromanaging Your Team?

Are you a micromanager? Especially if you’re a new manager building your confidence and leadership style, check in with yourself and ask these three questions to ensure you’re not leading with a grip.

(1) Am I always giving my team advice?

 There’s nothing wrong with giving your team members advice in situations that truly require it (high-stakes projects, urgent issues, or new processes that require more hands-on guidance). But in most cases, your goal should be to help people develop their own approaches. Use your expertise to ask teaching-oriented questions that will help your direct reports grow.

(2) Do I need to approve every decision my team makes?

 Don’t be a bottleneck. Make a list of high-stakes decisions you need to oversee or approve and lower-stakes items you can delegate to trusted employees. Remember: Delegating isn’t just saving you time—it’s giving your employees a chance to learn.

(3) Do I approach feedback as a one-way street?

 Use your one-on-one check-ins to turn feedback discussions into a dialogue. Give your reports a chance to evaluate themselves before sharing your evaluation. And be proactive about asking your team for feedback on your leadership. 

This tip is adapted from “Are You a Micromanager?,” by Julia Milner

Sharpen your writing skills

Thursday 03 April 2024

3 tips to Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Regardless of your job, rank, or industry, written communication is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. Here’s a three-step framework to help you level up as a writer—whether you’re writing an email, a formal document, a social post, or something else.

(1) First, determine the purpose of what you’re writing. What result do you want to achieve? 

Are you looking to (a) inform, (b) persuade, or (c) make a request? Let that purpose GUIDE the substance and style of your communication from beginning to end.

(2) Then, identify exactly who your audience is and speak directly to them. This means using language that they understand and a voice that resonates with them. It also means anticipating and answering their questions—before they need to ask. 

(3) Finally, what’s your point? This is the essential substance of your writing. Ask yourself how you would explain it to your audience in 15 seconds or less. Then, get to the point EARLY in your document, within the first 40 to 50 words.

3 tips to become a better conversationalist

 Wed 03 April 2024

Become a Better Conversationalist

Being a great communicator isn’t just about knowing how to speak eloquently—it’s about knowing how to prepare for, and engage deeply in, important conversations. These simple strategies can help.

(a) BEFORE  a key conversation, take 30 seconds to jot down a few topics you know you want to cover. Going into the discussion with a rough outline in mind can help calm your nerves, minimize awkward gaps or pauses, and make you feel more confident.

(b) DURING  the conversation, make it a goal to ask one or two deep questions—that is, questions about the other person’s beliefs, values, or experiences. This will both communicate your curiosity and help you connect more deeply with your conversation partner.

(c) AFTER the conversation, remember to ask some follow-up questions. This is the most efficient way to show that you’re really listening. It also gives you a chance to keep up the momentum of the conversation if your conversation partner doesn’t reciprocate with a question of their own.

This tip is adapted from “How to Become a Supercommunicator at Work,” by Charles Duhigg