Welcome to the Team: Onboarding New Colleagues
In today’s shift on the ambulance, I onboarded a new medic.
She’s fresh of her course and technically senior to me, being higher qualified. She can do all sorts of stuff that I’m not allowed to do. But this was her first time on the ambulance and it was down to me to show her the ropes - because what you learn in the classroom, isn’t necessarily what you need to know in the streets.
It reminded me of the importance - in any business or industry - of being careful with how we shape new joiners’ first impressions.
Firstly, the obvious start is to be welcoming and friendly. They’re probably nervous - that’s normal.
Some things take confidence and fast execution in the field. It’s important to create the right environment for the new joiners to meet the demands, without overwhelming or dismissing them.
How we point out errors and room for improvement is also vital. New joiners should feel empowered and supported; they mustn’t be afraid of trying themselves.
Don’t overdo it and pretend everything it perfect when it’s not. Instead, try: “look, this wasn’t up to scratch. I know you can do better and you know the theory, it’s just putting it into practise. It’s cool, I’ve got you back, so no harm was done and I know you’ll do better next time.
Explaining why you’re doing something - or even better, asking why - helps ensure there’s understanding behind your routine. Actions are contextual.
Give opportunities and don’t take no for an answer. In my case, it meant I didn’t initially do any of the checks or measurements today myself (although occasionally I reviewed them). New joiners won’t trust themselves if you don’t trust them and the best way to demonstrate your trust is by stepping back. “You’ve got this, why are you looking to me?” Don’t overlook our small actions as they set the precedent. Whether it’s mobile phones, profanity or dress code - play by the book to start off with, at least.
Lastly, don’t forget to have a good time. You’ll spend a lot of it with your new colleague and need a good relationship - so relax and enjoy yourselves.
