Trainer's tip: The first 60 days

TrainingZone

Trainer’s tip: The first 60 days

By TrainingZone

Tags: Trainers' Tips

What do the first 60 days in a new job look like? Sheridan Webb gives her advice on the induction process.

Sheridan Webb advises:

I have written a number of self/coach-led induction programmes for various companies. These programmes tend to last between four and 12 weeks, and aim to ensure that the new starter is:

Quickly introduced to their company, role, culture (the way we do things round here)

Able to get familiar with their colleagues, surroundings and internal customers

Clear about what is expected of them in terms of standards, behaviour etc

Able to carry out the normal routine aspects of their job to a minimum standard without supervision (some managers expect brilliance at everything, but we have to be realistic!). Use the 80/20 rule here to find out which 20% of their dutites take up 80% of their time

To know where to go for assistance on other aspects of their role (the 'non-routine' aspects)

Clear about the development opportunities that exist beyond induction

Some companies add extra things in, but these tend to be the 'core' aspects. Using a self-directed/coach-led approach has a number of advantages:

The new starter is able to use their time effectively from day one

The task of training up a new person is spread out amongst a number of colleagues

Training is flexible to fit around business priorities

The new starter is able to 'showcase' what they already know/can do, and move this part of training quickly

The new starter is encouraged to take responsibility for their own development

Of course, a robust sign-off procedure is required, but I sincerely believe that is the best way to get someone up and running and part of the team in 60(ish) days.

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First 60 days
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