You’ve screened, interviewed and hired your new employee, but your work isn’t done. One of your most important responsibilities is meeting regularly with your new coworker, 30 minutes to an hour at a time.
Use these sessions to clarify and confirm expectations, help the employee understand the company and its mission and help the employee fit in with coworkers and customers. You also can learn about how to improve your operation by listening to a newcomer’s point of view.
These meetings will give you an opportunity:
- to coach.
- to support.
- to answer questions and receive feedback.
Set an agenda for your meetings, and ask the employee for input on that agenda. Use these meetings to learn more about the employee’s progress in:
- Meeting day-to-day goals.
- Understanding the company’s vision and values.
- Learning the company, the customers and colleagues.
Use these meetings to get the employee’s perceptions about the job and the company, and to learn about additional training or resources he may need to do his job. Allow time for discussion, particularly as you seek feedback on business issues. Ask how the employee is doing, how she feels about her new job and what you can do to support her.
The best way to lead a team and manage a department is to have a good understanding of the people in it. Coaching and regular one-on-one sessions will keep you in tune with your staff.
Next week: Continuously improve your operation so you hire the best.
