How to Seamlessly Introduce a New Team Member To Your Business
As a business owner, you understand the importance of having a team that works together well. When introducing someone new to your existing dynamic, it can be intimidating to think about making room for another person. However, when done correctly, integrating a new employee or colleague into the mix can reinvigorate your team and push you that much further towards your goals.
If you’re looking to expand your team in 2023, let’s talk about seamlessly introducing a new person into the mix.
First – the hiring process
Instead of scrambling to find an extra pair of hands, sit down and dig deep into your needs. Not doing the proper research before hiring can often lead to more issues down the line, so you want to fully outline exactly what you’re looking for in an employee. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a job description (unfortunately, just asking for a “team player” doesn’t cut it anymore!), so take the time to think about your goals and have a clear understanding of your needs.
Beyond that, you should be very clear on what your expectations are with this new role. Whether you’re finding candidates through referrals, job sites, or agencies, it’s ultimately your responsibility to communicate up front. I think I speak for most of us when I say that I’d much rather explain this before someone is hired rather than 6 months later. This goes for your determined hours, responsibilities within the role, and any possibility for growth – don’t leave any stone unturned!
Where do they fit in?
While you may have an idea of where you want to fill a position within your company, it’s important to keep a sense of flexibility. Perhaps you’re looking to add an admin person to the team, but they also happen to have a knack for social media management. Consider their strengths to see where they’ll do their best work.
Alternatively, it’s equally important to see where their weaknesses are. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed! If you have a team member that excels with client-facing tasks and another that’s better suited as a mastermind behind-the-scenes, start a dialogue and see if they’d be open to some shifts in their roles.
Take a look at your management style and team dynamics
The interview process will tell you a lot about a potential employee’s personality, but you can’t necessarily predict how they’ll mesh with your management style or other teammates under stress.
For starters, it’s always a good idea to determine your style of delegation and how you handle conflict. How have you historically handled issues with your team in the past? How does your team work together? Communication will be key here, and it’s best to monitor how everyone gets along. Differing personalities can be totally fine in the workplace, but if you find that it’s causing a major rift, it’s up to you to resolve any sticky situations.
At the end of the day, it’s all about effective communication and taking the time to properly onboard a new team member. By following these steps, you can avoid any hiccups and help your new hire hit the ground running.
Photos by Melody Melikian Photography
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