The first weeks decide a lot. In that time a new person learns whether the work suits them, whether they can do it and whether anyone cares. A little structure makes a big difference.
A plan for the first month
Keep it short enough to fit on one page. For each week, write down what the person will learn and one or two things they will do. For example:
- Week one: learn the basics and meet the team.
- Week two: prepare a short introduction and practise it.
- Week three: first conversations, with support.
- Week four: look back together and plan the next month.
Small tasks they can finish
Big goals scare people. Small tasks build confidence. Choose tasks that take less than an hour and have a clear end: write a list of people to contact, practise the introduction twice, join one meeting.
One person to ask
Every new member needs one person they can call with any question, even a simple one. Agree when and how they can reach that person. Questions that are never asked often turn into reasons to leave.
Check in often
A short call each week is enough. Ask what went well, what was hard and what they need. Listen more than you advise.
Let them find their own way
Show how you work, then let them try their own way. People stay longer when the work feels like theirs.