Virtually onboarding a leader is a new process for many organizations but one that is increasingly necessary given office closures and travel restrictions resulting from COVID-19. That which was traditionally accomplished through face-to-face orientations, tours, tagging along to meetings, lunches, coffees, and impromptu check-ins requires a different approach when the leader lacks in-person access to their new colleagues.
An efficient and engaging experience for the new leader can be achieved by borrowing best practices from traditional onboarding, remote working, and even politics.
The Why: Engagement Just Got Much Harder
What happens naturally or organically in face-to-face situations will require a greater degree of forethought and coordination. It is not difficult to imagine the consequences of getting this wrong: miscommunication, delayed productivity, dissatisfaction and so on.
As well, starting a new role can trigger a whirlwind of emotions: from excitement, to uncertainty, to full-on “imposter syndrome”. The new leader will be eager to make a positive first impression, prove to themselves or others that they made the right decision, develop new relationships, and/or get on with what they were hired to do.
These emotions can be exacerbated and ambitions frustrated when the new leader is isolated from their colleagues. Physical isolation leads to social isolation and all of the accompanying complexities. Building rapport, establishing credibility, demonstrating authenticity, earning trust and receiving feedback (verbal or non-verbal) are much more challenging for the new leader to achieve.
To maximize engagement and a positive onboarding experience, these challenges need to be anticipated and planned for. And the new leader should be given every opportunity possible to connect with others and articulate their needs.
The What: Onboarding Content
The what of the virtual onboarding process should be familiar to most. The new leader will need to complete administrative, security and compliance requirements; obtain access to tools and resources; acclimatize themselves to the organization; meet others and develop relationships; and prepare to start executing.
