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Why New Hires Don't Fit in Faster

  1. Organizations don’t plan for it.

  2. New employees usually do not identify with the objectives of the organization. They just work for a paycheck.

  3. New employees may not know where they fit into the overall structure of department’s objectives. An effective manager tells why the task is important and includes benefits to them and the organization. Also, the effective manager explains how they (the employees) fit into the “big” picture.

  4. New employees may not clearly understand what they are supposed to do, how to do it, and deadlines for getting it done. They may think something else is more important. Often the boss gives everything A-1 priority by saying “I need it ASAP” on every task delegated confusing the new employees understanding of priorities.

  5. New tasks may be too large and overwhelming. Learning may be improved by dividing into “bite-size” pieces.

  6. Employees think they ARE doing it. This usually results from inadequate feedback. An effective manager provides immediate and specific feedback and focuses on behavior not personalities.

  7. Employees think they CAN’T do it. An effective manager encourages questions, and also follows up to find out if new employees are stuck before it is too late.

  8. New employees should be told when they are doing the job correctly or incorrectly. An effective manager gives immediate rewards, frequent and specific praise, encourages good performance and, likewise, takes steps to correct and inform when non-performance occurs.