In an article published in Talent Management Review in May 2008, Nigel Benwell presents ideas for a programme of activity that can practically and simply be facilitated by a line manager, an HR business partner or an executive coach to make it more likely that a new hire is successfully ‘On Boarded’ into a new role.

‘On Boarding’ is a critical activity over and above a standard induction programme. So often organisations think a tour of the office or an induction workshop will suffice, though this only amounts to an information download and a one-way dialogue that will not lay the foundations for real success in the first 100 days. Instead, ‘On Boarding’ is designed to make an individual think and plan for their success rather than be totally re-active to their new day to day operational demands.

Nigel argues that the best ‘On Boarding’ programmes focus on four main activities: (1) encouraging new hires to self- review their capabilities and profile; (2) helping new hires to rapidly take stock of the business; (3) facilitating the development of new relationships and (4) planning for ‘quick wins’.

Click here to read the un-edited version of his article.