Business In News
When I was in college, I had an ill-fated stint as a server at a mall-based restaurant. Onboarding there consisted of a piece of paper saying I knew I had to purchase my uniform – a green apron and a polo shirt embroidered with Bay Back Rowing Company and a place to sign acknowledging those would be paid for out of the first check. It also included a guy telling me where the bathroom was, and the final instruction to “shadow Mike.”
Mike wasn’t a trainer.
I failed miserably when serving dessert, and following his explicit demand to only serve one scoop of ice cream, the customer, in front of his table said, “What the hell is this?” and demanded more. He got angry and called for the manager. I then endured a dressing down by my manager in front of a table of eight patrons.
Yes, I learned.
I learned I had been thrown into a pool and told to swim.
That experience has informed all of the onboarding I have crafted for my clients over the years.
Onboarding should prepare an employee with care.
