What does onboarding employees have to do with packing socks?
My wife was gracious enough to help me pack for my recent trip to Toronto. I had some good prep to get done, wanted to get a work out in Sunday morning and get some quality time in with her before I left.
It was really helpful to “refill” my duffel suitcase while I got other things done. She is a much better packer than me and having less wrinkles in pants and shirts when I arrive is always appreciated.
She asked me a couple questions on what I wanted included, certain shoes and shirts for workouts, pants and shoes for work.
I am sure you, like me have favorite things you like to have with you. For me, its thicker socks that are soft and more comfortable, 2-3 lulu lemon shirts that are good for wearing under sweaters.
As I unpacked my bag and searched through the bag for the shirts and socks as I put things away I was surprised I could not find them. They are always there! What? Wait a second, Blake packed the bag. Oh man, how could she not have packed the comfortable stuff? She sees me wear it all the time.
Over the next minute I am frustrated. I think about why she may not have packed it.
Did I tell her? Should she know what to put in there? Maybe not. What did she get right? A lot. Maybe 90%.
So how does this apply to onboarding your employees?
Well without telling her what to pack, through being a part of “the team” she observed what I like and put that in the bag. She asked a couple questions on how I like to work while on the road and put that in the bag.
Did I give her a written list? Did I verbally walk her through all items needed? No. Who is that on? It’s on me.
When we are onboarding people onto a new team or into a new process, we need to make sure “we” are clear on what the task entails and over communicate to close the loop.
Now since my wife reads this blog, I will just end by saying THANK YOU for helping me be more efficient and learn a lesson that I can share with all of you!
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