As discussed in our previous installment of how to be “fabulous to a new co-worker” (or any person!), saving them from social awkwardness is the key to success. The minute you swoop in with your welcoming words and actions, the quicker you are elevated to hero status.
True story.
I’m a newly hired live-in manager at a non-profit supporting adults with developmental disabilities. The job involves me working a split shift and helping 5 men get up and off to work each morning and then supporting them in the evenings. The job can be intense and the hours are far from traditional.
At my first manager meeting, I’m feeling overwhelmed when one manager comes up to me on our break and says,
“Hi, I’m Sandy and I’m the live-in manager at one of the other group homes. How are things going? I know there’s a lot coming at you right now so here’s my number in case you have questions or just want to talk”.
I thank her and we briefly chat while sipping coffee and munching on cookies.
And do you know what?
Thirty years later Sandy and I are still friends! Because at that moment, Sandy became my hero. She welcomed me to the team and offered to be my co-pilot. I didn’t feel alone, and I knew there was someone willing to help me out. And that made a huge difference. I stayed at the company for 26 years!
When you say things like:
“Would you like to join me for lunch?”
“I’m glad you are on the team! Do you have time to grab a coffee?”
“I’d love to learn more about you! Do you have time to connect later today?”
Or when you do things like:
Write a welcome note including your contact information
Leave a vase of flowers or another welcoming item
Pop by the new employee’s office to say hi and introduce yourself
Send them a welcoming text, gif, or email
Tell them you are around to answer any questions
You become a hero!
Take A Walk Down Memory Lane.
Remember back to the last time when you felt like an outsider.
Or think about the last time you felt alone.
Did someone help you out? If so, what did the person do to make you feel welcome?
Do you remember the specifics of what they did and how you felt?
Gestures of kindness make all the difference.
There are lots of non-verbals like smiling, listening, nodding, and fronting help to make the other person feel seen and heard. There are also encouraging words you can use and people you can pair with others to help a person feel like they belong!
Setting someone up for success takes some planning and coordination, but your efforts go a long way in making a person feel connected. With companies competing to attract and keep talent, making someone feel like a genuine member of the team is a gigantic advantage.
What are you doing to make sure people feel seen, heard, and included?
Has your company experienced a lot of job turnover?
Do you remember how you felt when you were first onboarded?
Is there a plan in place to make sure new employees are officially welcomed?
Being aware of how you are perceived is instrumental in making sure others feel like contributing members of the team.
Your co-pilot (who wants you to know how wonderful you are!),
P.S.
Let’s Make Sure Everyone Feels Included!
What successes have you had with welcoming new members to the team? I’d love to hear your wins!
I’d also love to hear “the good, the bad, and the ugly”.
Let’s talk.