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Onboarding in a new job in 10 steps: from conflict to team spirit [+ checklists]
// By Helga BrĂŒggemann
What to do if the tension increases during onboarding despite good preparation? What are the steps to take? An overview!
Use onboarding superglue - 10 docking techniques for new employees
In order for an onboarding process to run as safely as the vast majority of trouble-free flights, interaction quality standards must be observed. Ideally, the quality standards will be reminded of everyone involved before onboarding, no matter how experienced they are with context changes. The following safety precautions for the onboarding trip should be taken.
Even if many managers intuitively influence the relationship dynamics, it can be helpful to be aware of the proven techniques again and again. This is especially true when the pressure increases and with it the likelihood of reacting reflexively. Ten docking techniques have proven particularly useful in integration phases:
1. Swing to a wavelength
In the improvisation theater there is a warm-up exercise with an amazing effect. Pairs are formed. They agree on a topic of conversation, such as whether you can do something together after work. The exercise takes place in two stages. In the first stage there are instructions to consistently reject the suggestions of the interlocutor. It is easy to imagine how faltering the conversation is. The one who tirelessly makes suggestions makes an effort. The interlocutor who rejects the suggestions feels pressured during the conversation. Both feel like they are talking past each other. The wavelength doesn't seem right.
In the second round, the interlocutors are asked to respond to all suggestions. This is not to say yes to everything. For example, if one person suggests going to a beer garden after work, the response might be that the other person says, âOh yes, I think it's a good idea to reflect on the day together. Unfortunately I'm already taken this evening. What do you think of it when we go out to lunch together tomorrow? âWhen communicating according to this docking rule, a relationship dynamic is created that strengthens the feeling of being at the same wavelength and understanding each other. This simple docking technique can make collaboration easier right from the start, especially when different expectations meet in the onboarding phase. Docking technology
2. My world - your world
At school, vocational training and at universities, we have learned to clearly express our opinions. Logically structured lines of reasoning were rewarded with good grades. A both-and-was easily interpreted as spongy. The differently trained experts then meet in the professional world. A scientist will argue differently than a humanities scientist. Architects have other aspects in mind when it comes to designing work environments, for example, than psychologists. A conversation atmosphere quickly arises in which different interaction partners try to convince each other of their point of view.
This pattern of communication can be recognized by the repeated use of the wording, but ... If one follows the constructivist conception of reality, according to which there is no mistake, but only one perception (quoted from a statement by Haja Molter), many conceptions of reality exist side by side. None is right or wrong, all make sense from the perspective of the respective viewer. A simple docking technique has also proven itself here. Whenever you notice that the two words accumulate yes, but ..., you replace the word with and. In this case, too, the effect is amazing. This small change means that different descriptions can always remain side by side. The desire to be right is diminishing. The likelihood of finding a good and constructive solution for both increases.
3. The art of omission
The omission is a supreme discipline of systemic methods. By omission is meant not to react reflexively when a communication offer is made. This technique requires a high degree of self-control. Since there is a space between stimulus and reaction, the manager has the choice of how he reacts (Frankl, 1985, p. 52 ff.). If you want to take a break between the trigger and the reaction, you must be able to perceive yourself as a neutral observer from outside in the situation. Only this distant position makes it possible to make conscious decisions. For example, you can report immediately when a colleague asks for help.
But you can also pause briefly to examine what is feasible and sensible at the given time and under these circumstances. It may well be that you decide to step in again and help out, because it now fits and is coherent. The key point is that you have a choice. The reaction is deliberately taken and is not reflexive. In their book "Don't just do something, stand there", Sandra Janoff and Marwin Weisbord, the founders of the "Future Conferences", show the power of the art of omission (Weisbord and Janoff, 2007, pp. 31â48 ). Especially in phases of context changes, it helps if the participants have an anchor that keeps reminding them of valuable breaks.
It reminds the new executives to stop and consciously take breaks again and again. Some imagine going inside on the balcony, others imagine an eagle looking at the conversation from above. Still others use an object in the room, such as a small globe on the desk or a piece of art on the wall. Those who have mastered the art of omission have equipped their systemic hand luggage with valuable technology that will often be useful in the integration process.
4. Dynamic image of man
In the onboarding phase you gradually get to know each other better and better. Both sides form a judgment of each other during the trial period. With high performance compression, it is understandable that one tries to reduce complexity where possible. At an interpersonal level, categorical thinking is one way to deal with complexity. The classification of interlocutors makes it easier to assess him. Experience helps to classify a person. Condensed knowledge of experience can lead to a good knowledge of human nature. This is helpful to be able to adapt quickly to someone. It becomes a trap if the assessment is categorical and the drawer once selected is not opened again. It is helpful in the onboarding process if, in the getting-to-know-you phase, people's knowledge goes hand in hand with a dynamic image of man. With a rigid human image, a manager would think or say: "The colleague is weak in making decisions."
This wording is an attribution. The colleague is perceived as if he were like this. The message is conveyed unspoken that this way of being is set in stone and that he will remain so. This image of man is rigid and does not give the colleague a chance for positive development. The situation is completely different if the assessment of a colleague is based on a dynamic image of people. The wording would be: "My colleague avoided making a decision at the last employee meeting." This wording describes behavior that is shown in a situation. In a different situation, the colleague could behave differently. The dynamic image of man leaves room for positive development. In an integration phase, both sides are well advised to avoid hasty write-ups. If concrete behavior is described in feedback interviews, even if they are perceived as irritating or dysfunctional by the feedback giver, a positive development remains possible and everyone involved can grow in the integration.
5. Separate what doesn't belong together
In relaxed conversation situations, it is easy to deal constructively with one another. There are no disagreements. The situation seems to be similar. Reality perceptions and descriptions differ only minimally from one another. The interviewees seem to have agreed on a worldview like two good friends or a well-rehearsed couple. In this atmosphere, it is easy to build on the arguments of the interviewee. Ideas bubble up and proposed solutions complement each other. The situation is completely different when different conceptions of reality meet. Especially in the onboarding phase, when partners first have to find each other, it is likely that different experiences and interests will be brought along. If the interlocutors are not careful, an undesirable dynamic can develop in this constellation. What started out as a factual discussion is becoming more and more personal. Emotions connected with the interests affect the way of communication. It's getting hotter.
The technical level is abandoned more and more, the more the interlocutors need to be taken seriously and valued in their point of view and reasoning. Not being able to get right, if you think you are right, spurs the other party on. The struggle for a common solution becomes a struggle. If there is no glue in your hand luggage for docking in this situation, the conversation may escalate. As soon as you notice this dynamic, you should discipline yourself and not judge too quickly. The confrontation in the conversation does not arise from different interests and views. Conflicting goals are part of the game in companies. They become a source of disruption if explanations are linked to the opinions that are immediately evaluated.
A pending restructuring of the tasks, for example, would initially be described neutrally using this adhesive. In the next phase, each interlocutor would explain what it means to him. Only at the end would an assessment be made of how good or bad, helpful or disruptive, thoughtful or offensive one feels this measure. Without adhesive, phase one (describe) and phase two (explain) are run through so quickly that the conversation hardens by focusing on assessments. Deviating opinions are insufficiently separated from their evaluation. If you avoid too fast evaluations, first take the time to describe the situation in a neutral manner and only then compare the explanations, will slow down the conversation. This makes it easier to separate person and thing. The likelihood of constructive problem solving increases.
6. The three Ws of constructive feedback
In the onboarding process, the constructive exchange of views is a critical success factor. If it is not enough, the fit must be very high for the integration to succeed. Ideally, feedback is ritualized, for example in the form of regular consultations and development discussions. A constructive three-stage feedback technology acts as an adhesive and should be used whenever possible whenever there is a need. For example, an employee interprets the rule that everyone in the team has equal rights, differently than her teammates. She asks for feedback on interim results from different interview partners, regardless of the hierarchy, if she considers it necessary. Teammates who understand by equality that such actions are discussed before communicating with others will be confused. If you wait for the next ritualized exchange round, for example a retrospective15, it can happen that irritations add up and increase the feeling of disturbance.
To avoid this escalation, this step should always be used if necessary: ââThe constructive feedback takes place in three stages. The three Ws denote the phases perception - effect - desire. In the example above, the irritated teammate could report back after this triad:
- Perception: "You presented our team results to the director without consulting us first."
- Effect: "This behavior irritates me because I feel ignored."
- Wish: »I hope that you will speak to me beforehand in the future. What do you think about that?"
This docking technique also avoids pushing the conversation partner into the corner with you messages. The technology makes it possible to stay with yourself and to find a solution without blaming the interlocutor. This docking technique works best when used as soon as irritation occurs.
7. Switch with Boarding Experience (BX)
We can experience the effects of this technique in the theater. Actors are masters of this technique. You slip into a role and feel, think and act from this role. They are masters of switching. A variant of this technology is also used in companies to trace customer experiences as if they were in the skin of such a customer. Customer Experience (CX) is a method to comprehensively understand customer experiences at different online and offline points of contact of the entire customer experience (customer journey). In this way, products are thought and developed by the customer. The technique of intensive empathy was...
