Training & Organizational Development 

Foundations...Tips for Successful On-Boarding

Here are some "quick starts" to enhance your effectiveness as you assimilate to your management role:

• Develop key relationships. Building and nurturing important relationships – within your department and outside – will solidify your position within the organization.
• Establish a two-way dialogue with your supervisor. Understand the expectations associated with desired performance as well as the specific performance goals for the next six months. Seek constructive feedback on performance on a regular basis.
• Identify "quick wins" on issues that are of high importance to your supervisor/department. Allows you to showcase your skills and talents right away.
• Demonstrate curiosity and interest in learning about your department and UMDNJ culture. Accelerate your learning regarding "how things are done around here" by asking questions of more tenured employees (for example: "How does this department fit into the organization's mission, vision, and values?" "What are our priorities?" "What are our long-range goals?").
• Provide direction to your staff. Clearly define for your team – and yourself – how to best accomplish your department's goals. Be sure to clarify each employee's responsibilities in achieving tasks and project goals.
• Encourage open communication. To delegate effectively, you must be able to express yourself clearly and persuasively. Equally important is your ability to establish an open, two-way flow of information. The sharing of ideas and suggestions helps unleash creativity.
• Support by coaching. Be a mentor and coach for your team members. Find out each employee's career aspirations and motivations and help them achieve these objectives. It may seem time consuming, but establishing yourself as an advisor is one of the effective steps you can take to motivate and inspire your team.

As a new manager or supervisor, you may sometimes feel your new role is daunting. By creating a positive work environment and promoting open communication, you can win the trust and respect of your team and become a more effective leader.