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LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Communicating with New Hires

By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor

As a leader , you are often tasked with bringing on new team members , but how you communicate with them greatly impacts the odds of their success . In a world where more people are working remotely or in a hybrid situation , it is even more challenging to hire , train and retain great people . With that said , let ’ s consider some lessons when it comes to effectively and proactively communicating with a new employee :

◾ Check in regularly . Schedule weekly meetings with the new employee to ask what they are accomplishing and what questions they have . Ask open-ended questions like , “ What is the most rewarding part of the job so far ?” Then , follow up with ; “ What one area do you
find the most challenging ?” The key is to get them talking .
◾ Create a two-way communication street . It is not enough that you proactively communicate with the new employee , but they must know and feel confident that they can come to you and others with a question , concern , or issue .
◾ Ask for feedback . Consistently seek out recommendations as to how the organization can improve its effectiveness , even if some of them are not implemented . If certain ideas are not implemented , communicate directly why they may not work .
◾ Pair new employees with a peer mentor . The leader can ’ t always be as accessible as their peers . Connect the new employee with a mentor who can help by providing insight or answering questions or introducing the new employee to key stakeholders .
◾ Get together for lunch . This can be one of the most valuable investments you can make with your new employee . It is more informal , and people get to know
each other , which will make them more confident in the way they communicate about business to the team .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books including , “ Lessons in Leadership .” His sixth book , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ,” will be released in summer 2023 . He is an Emmy ® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS . He has also appeared on CNN , NPR and NBC ’ s Today Show . Steve Adubato ' s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10:00 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit www . Stand-Deliver . com
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / PeopleImages

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