We've been doing some work on influencing, and building relationships, and since we are expecting a new team member to join us any day now, it got me thinking about when new people join a new team.
I've joined a number of different teams, and been around for people joining our team, and the biggest thing that laid the foundation for a positive and powerful relationship was simply caring.
Here are a few things to think about when bringing someone new into the team:
Preparation - Have you ever had it when you showed up for a new job and they didn't know who you were? Or maybe they just didn't know where you would sit or what you would be doing. By being prepared the new team member feels like you made an effort to bring them into the team, and it makes the stressful situation of joining a new team a little less... stressful.
Onboarding - some companies have a process for this, which is great, but many don't, and most teams don't. It doesn't need to be something fancy but simply introducing a new person to your team, what they'll be doing, the layout of the office, making sure they have supplies, etc., can make a huge difference. Helping someone get the lay of the land can accelerate their adoption into the team.
Openness - No matter what team you join it can be difficult to meet new people, let alone remember their names! Be open, offer to answer any questions, and check in with the new person to see how they are doing of if they need any help. Showing that you care enough to put a little effort in can create a rock solid foundation for a lasting relationship.
For example purposes, doing all of this is easy, and it is as simple as "Hi Bob, welcome to the team, we've been expecting you, your office is over there, bathrooms and the kitchen are over there, and if you have any questions feel free to come ask me anytime. I'll come check on you later to make sure you're finding everything alright."
It can be so easy to make a good impression, and a bad impression can have long lasting and demotivating results, so you may as well make it a good one.
Question for the interweb: Have you ever had a particularly good or bad experience when joining a new team?
-Alexander C. Cook MEng, MBA, PEng, PMP
Photo Credit: https://www.askideas.com/22-best-welcome-to-the-team-picture/