HBR article from Michael Watkins, the guru of job transitions. He argues that organizations are doing a poor job assimilating new hires and provides startling data on the mismatch between seven stumbling blocks of new leaders and what companies actually provide. (Hint: you’ll have all your paperwork in order during the onboarding but will miss understanding how the organization works, the culture and how to work with peers.) The author outlines five major tasks during the first few months: assuming operational leadership, taking charge of the team, aligning with stakeholders, engaging the culture and defining the strategic intent. The article ends with a diagnostic for organizations to assess their current assimilation practices – from basic the active to integrated.
