We ran a master class today at the Onboarding Talent conference in Chicago.  One of the hot buttons was values and how important it is to confirm and communicate shared values at every step of the way in onboarding, both ways.

Aligning values

One of the critical components of a recruiting brief is values.  It's important to be clear on what the organization's values are and to write them down so recruiters and candidates can check fit with those values.

Acquiring values

Recruiters, whether they are internal or external, need to live the organization's values throughout the acquiring phase of onboarding.  Can not act in one way while recruiting and then act differently after the new employee is selected.

Accommodating values

It's important to re-clarify, prompt, and demonstrate the organization's values throughout accommodating.

Assimilating values

Values are sticky.  Even if the new employee is being brought in as a change agent, one of the last things he or she should change (if ever) are values.  This is one of the most important pieces of assimilation.

Accelerating values

The end does not justify the means.  As new employees accelerate results – as they should – they must do this within the organization's values

Bottom line, values are foundational.  Don't expect anything about onboarding to work well unless it is firmly rooted in the organization's values.

George Bradt – PrimeGenesis Executive Onboarding and Transition Acceleration

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Note PrimeGenesis' values:

INSPIRING – committed to excellence & the pursuit of mastery
RESULTS ORIENTED – short terms with urgency; sustainably with long term view
INTEGRITY BEYOND REPROACH
LASTING RELATIONSHIPS – doing what's right for clients over the long run
TEAM – committed to each other, supportive, collaborative