Page 106 - Successful Onboarding

Teaching Culture So That Our New Hires “Get It” • 95

Major issues the new hire faces
New hires might hope that the few days or week of orientation help them
wrap their heads around slang and the many other informal elements of
company culture, but it doesn’t usually work that way. In the ensuing days
and weeks, they are left to fend for themselves in negotiating a number of
daily questions big and small. Some of the major things they are anxiously
trying to figure out include:

• Informal ways colleagues make decisions: What gives people
“permission” to decide on an issue? Is it their ability to muster
facts? Is it the boss’ approval? The inherent authority that comes
with their job? A combination?
• Communication styles: Does the hire’s new workplace like the
one-page memo? The PowerPoint deck? Three bullets? Casual
conversations in the hall? Do people like to gain information on a
need-to-know basis, or is an open communication more efficient
and therefore desirable? And again, the language: What do casual
words and phrases really mean?
• Idea advocacy: Does the organization prefer a structured or
formal process for bringing forward ideas—e.g., using templates
and a defined process and forums—or does a culture of open
brainstorming reign? Do ideas need vetting before expression in
an open forum, or do colleagues feel comfortable with a new
hire just bringing something up?
• Who’s who: Who is important to company decision making? Who
do I need to impress? With whom do I need to develop a good
working relationship so as to successfully partner on work
assignments? How do the leaders’ styles differ?
• Dispute moderation: Some organizations designate people and
processes to address and formally moderate disputes when they
arise, whereas others encourage colleagues to moderate disputes
themselves. What’s the rule here?
• Managing up: Is the hire’s new culture hell-bent on micro-
managing? Does he or she have to keep superiors constantly
updated on progress? Is there a consistent standard, or are there