Welcome back to another episode of VHMA Manager 2 Manager podcast. Today we're discussing a crucial topic: onboarding new hires in a way that feels good. We all know how important it is to make new team members feel welcome and part of the team early on. But sometimes, despite all the time and energy spent hiring people, we end up leaving them to sink or swim. It is important to remember that people want to work with people they like and can grow with. That’s why those first few days and weeks in a new hire’s role are so critical to ensuring they want to stay.

Joining us today is Addie Blair, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and Chief Operating Officer for Veterinary Management, Inc., overseeing eight different practices. Addie’s journey in this industry began back in high school, driven by her passion for helping animals and their owners. Over the years, this passion has evolved into helping others in the industry realize their dreams. Addie is dedicated to fostering growth in others, and she’s here to share her insights on effective onboarding.

So, what makes a great onboarding experience? Let's break it down.

 

Show Notes:

[2:32] - When someone new is hired, there are always different dynamics to navigate with existing team members.

[3:35] - Being welcoming has to be a part of your culture.

[5:50] - The team should be involved in training. It is not a one person job. New hires should be given the opportunity to acclimate into the environment before working with patients.

[7:47] - Not everyone is innately friendly. Addie some things we can do to help new hires feel welcome.

[10:04] - No matter the level of experience, new hires should have an observation period so they can see how the practice flows.

[14:02] - Addie also likes to learn about a new hire’s previous experiences in the industry. Managers must be open to different ways people learn and complete tasks.

[17:18] - We need training in different modalities for the different learning styles and personality types.

[19:54] - Addie shares some of the signs that indicate a problem with a new hire.

[24:15] - There is always going to be someone with a really strong personality in the practice. We need to know how to manage the dynamic.

[25:33] - Trainers need forms to fill out daily in the early days to make sure things are going smoothly. Sometimes 30 days before a check-in is too long to wait. Habits have set in. 

[26:49] - An “About Me” form is beneficial in pairing team members up with compatible trainers and can help them feel comfortable in their new environment.

[28:03] - Being open to hearing what other people have to say is only going to improve the industry. Those new hires may have some good ideas for the team.

[29:55] - When it comes to onboarding, it all boils down to how the new team member feels after the first few days.

[31:24] - It is okay to over communicate, especially in the beginning. So many things are going on, that just saying something once is not likely to take hold. 

 

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

 

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