Transition through Orientation

Orientation of new employees is such a critical part of successful career transition. The awkward days of a new job that are filled with meeting new people and trying to remember their names; learning new tasks comprised of far too many steps to recall after only being shown once; finding a new work space with different looking resources (or no resources at all!); answering telephone calls without ample information to satisfy the inquirer; experiencing a lonely lunch break without a kindred spirit to talk to. This kind of experience is difficult even for the most outgoing of sanguines. For the introvert, such a transition is almost unbearable.

A good orientation program can form the core of a pain-free transition. Being an educator, our school holds two days of new teacher orientation and three additional days of orientation for the entire faculty/staff. If designed carefully, these days can be great days of building relationships, relieving anxiety; laughing with new colleagues; and establishing the routines for the rest of the school year. The apprehensions of the rookie can be minimized with a good mentor program and some solid counsel from a wise leader.

Information.... appropriate, needed information should be shared in a variety of settings. Large groups, small groups, and one-on-one sessions can all be used to help with the task of orientation. Some data is best communicated in large group setting allowing the employee to get a sense of the overall ministry and the many facets involved in the organization. Vision, philosophy, mission can all be shared with inspiration and motivation in large group venues.

Small groups are idea for collaboration and inclusion. Experiences involving small groups can provide the new employee with a limited number of people (names) to assimilate and remember. Getting to know a small number of colleagues can break down so many walls toward acceptance and communication. Whether the small group is designed for social interaction or work projects, the results of positive collegiality can be realized.

One-on-one time is an essential part of orientation as well. A formal mentoring program provides that new employee with a personal lifeline. The better the fit between mentor and mentee the more effective this aspect of orientation will be. Just knowing that the employee has a place to go for personal and professional questions gives a peace of mine that specific needs can be met (without the embarrassment of having to ask the boss a stupid question).

In a school setting there are 1001 forms and rules and expectations to keep track of. There are time schedules to memorize, seating charts to design, lesson plans to submit, extra-duties to balance and papers to grades. Once the students arrive it is often a blur until Christmas vacation. A well designed orientation program can really help new teachers prepare for the invasion of students. A poor orientation can result in frustration and discouragement for the rookie teacher. The teaching profession is so difficult to learn. Without a good mentor and administrative support, a teacher walks into the year with two strikes against success.

Good leaders provide excellent orientation!

picture found at http://www.mic.ul.ie/healthandsafety/Training.htm