Just like starting a new school, beginning a new job can be both stressful and exciting. Many of the principles outlined in Dale Carnegie’s best-selling book, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’ are great tools to help give new-hires a warm welcome and set them up for success in their new workplace.
Here are four ways to welcome and WOW new employees.
‘Talk in terms of the other person’s interests,’ is the 8th Human Relations principle. Recall your first say on the job—you were most likely nervous; unsure which conference rooms, printer, bathroom and kitchen to use and full of many questions. Start on the right foot by talking about what is important to the newbie. Give her a tour of the office and call out where staff meetings, the cafeteria and other important locations are. This demonstrates that you care about her success and helps foster feelings of trust and respect.
‘Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language,’ is the 6th principle. Be sure to introduce the new employee to as many people as possible; especially to key team players and leaders. The application of this principle is a win-win for both you and the new employee. Repeating the newbie’s name will help you and the people to whom you are introducing her to remember it. Secondly, she will feel important because you took the time to learn her name, pronounce it correctly and introduce her to other people. Remember how wonderful you felt when you ran into someone after not seeing them for years and they recalled your first and last name? That’s exactly how she will feel.
‘Give honest, sincere appreciation,’ is the 2nd principle. While the hiring manager may have thanked the new employee for accepting the job weeks ago, it is important to once again thank the new employee for joining the organization. Stating why you are excited about her joining the team, e.g. a specific skill set that was previously lacking or her propensity to help manage gangbuster growth, is a great way to communicate that you genuinely appreciate her decision to join your organization.
‘Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves,’ is the 7th Human Relations principle. We have two ears and one mouth for a very good reason; we are supposed to listen more than we speak. Asking new employees questions such as:
“Where did you work last and what was your role?”
“Where are you originally from?” or “From where did you relocate?”
“What aspect about your new role are you most excited about?”
…shows that you are genuinely interested in the new-hire and want to learn more about her. Answering casual questions will help her feel more comfortable when meeting new employees and asking them questions. Finally, learning something personal about her will help your new co-worker feel like she is a part of the team much more quickly.
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