Ten things new employees may expect from you as their leader ...
New employees are eager to contribute and develop themselves. As a leader, meeting these expectations is essential to fostering long-term success:
1 | "Help me feel part of the team" – Active Integration
It’s not enough to simply introduce new team members; they want to feel part of the team from day one. Actively involve them in projects and decision-making processes to help them understand how their contributions impact the wider organisation. This will help them develop a sense of belonging and enable them to apply their strengths effectively.
2 | "Keep your promises" – Reliability and Competence
New employees wish to be recognized as skilled professionals. Demonstrate from the outset that you have confidence in their abilities. Delegate responsibilities and provide opportunities for them to work independently. Allowing them room to grow not only strengthens their confidence but also cultivates a trusting, respectful, and collaborative environment.
3 | "Treat me as a professional" – Confidence in Expertise
Experienced employees appreciate being acknowledged for their knowledge and skills. Show your trust by assigning them meaningful responsibilities rather than micromanaging. Encourage them to leverage their expertise and take ownership of solutions. By doing so, you foster their independence and establish a professional partnership built on mutual respect.
4 | "Inspire me with a vision" – A Meaningful Purpose
Employees want more than tasks—they want to understand why their work matters. A clear and inspiring vision, demonstrating how their efforts contribute to the organisation’s broader goals, is vital. By sharing the purpose behind their role, you boost motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, enhances performance and fosters long-term commitment.
5 | "Provide honest feedback" – More Than Just Praise
While positive feedback is important, employees also value honest, constructive insights. Transparent and balanced feedback—highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement—enables them to grow and perform better. Clarity and sincerity in your feedback help build trust and encourage continuous development.
6 | "Be clear about your expectations" – Defined Goals and Objectives
New employees can only succeed if they understand what is expected of them. Ambiguity in instructions or goals often leads to confusion and errors. Be specific: What tasks should they prioritise? What outcomes are expected? Clear communication about your expectations provides structure and confidence, enabling a smooth start.
7 | "Ensure proper onboarding" – Structure Over Chaos
A disorganized or rushed onboarding process can leave new team members feeling undervalued. Instead of throwing them in at the deep end, provide a structured introduction. A clear plan, defined goals, and access to essential information will help them settle in quickly and perform effectively. A well-organised onboarding process demonstrates that their contributions are valued and that they can rely on your guidance.
8 | "Help me connect with the right people" – Networking Support
New employees often need assistance in building relationships with key individuals in the organisation. Whether it’s colleagues, stakeholders, or senior leaders, facilitating these connections helps them integrate more seamlessly. By supporting their networking efforts, you not only strengthen their understanding of workflows but also enhance their sense of belonging within the team.
9 | "Provide opportunities to grow" – Development and Perspective
Employees expect more than just a job—they value opportunities for growth and career progression. Engage with them about their goals and outline potential pathways for development. Without clear avenues for advancement, they may feel stagnant, which could lead them to explore other options. Your role is to make growth tangible and support them in achieving their aspirations.
10 | "Maintain professional boundaries" – Respectful Leadership
As a leader, it’s important to strike a balance between empathy and professionalism. While employees appreciate a supportive and approachable manager, they also expect you to maintain a respectful distance and focus on your leadership role. Overstepping boundaries can undermine trust and objectivity. A professional yet compassionate approach ensures a positive and respectful work environment.
A small personal remark at the end:
I kindly ask for your understanding in my choice of using this photo and hope you won’t take it too literally. It is an artwork from the NordArt 2023 exhibition in Germany, which, to me, aptly reflects the jungle out there and certain behaviours it brought to mind...