How do you communicate your organization's values and principles to new hires?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the first steps in communicating your organization's values and principles is to set clear expectations for new hires. This means explaining what your organization stands for, what its goals and vision are, and how new hires can contribute to them. You can use various methods to communicate these expectations, such as orientation sessions, handbooks, videos, or mentorship programs. Make sure to align your expectations with your organization's culture and values, and to provide feedback and recognition along the way.

2 Use stories and examples

Another way to communicate your organization's values and principles is to use stories and examples that illustrate them in action. Stories and examples can help new hires understand the meaning and impact of your values and principles, as well as how they can apply them in their own work. You can share stories and examples from your own experience, from other employees, from customers, or from external sources. You can also encourage new hires to share their own stories and examples that relate to your values and principles.

3 Involve new hires in decision making

A third way to communicate your organization's values and principles is to involve new hires in decision making processes that reflect them. By giving new hires a voice and a stake in the decisions that affect their work, you can show them that you value their input and perspective, and that you trust them to act in accordance with your values and principles. You can involve new hires in decision making by asking for their opinions, suggestions, or feedback, by inviting them to join committees or teams, or by delegating tasks or projects to them.

4 Model the values and principles

A fourth way to communicate your organization's values and principles is to model them yourself and to hold others accountable for doing the same. As a leader or a colleague, you can set an example for new hires by demonstrating how you live and work by your values and principles, and by acknowledging and rewarding those who do the same. You can also address any behaviors or actions that violate or undermine your values and principles, and explain the consequences and expectations for improvement.

5 Provide ongoing support and learning

A fifth way to communicate your organization's values and principles is to provide ongoing support and learning opportunities for new hires. This means ensuring that new hires have access to the resources, information, and guidance they need to perform their roles and to grow their skills and knowledge. You can provide ongoing support and learning by offering coaching, mentoring, training, or feedback sessions, by creating a culture of learning and sharing, or by celebrating achievements and milestones.

6 Solicit feedback and improvement

A sixth way to communicate your organization's values and principles is to solicit feedback and improvement from new hires. This means asking new hires how they feel about the communication they have received, how well they understand and align with your values and principles, and what suggestions they have for enhancing or improving the communication. You can solicit feedback and improvement by conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups, by creating a feedback loop or a suggestion box, or by fostering a culture of openness and honesty.