Module 13 · Leadership & people management · Lesson 11 of 12

Hiring and onboarding relationships

A hire is the start of a relationship; the first weeks set its tone.

7 min read · Level: Practising · Free — no account needed to read

The idea

Hiring is the start of a relationship, for both sides. How candidates are treated — clear communication, respect for their time, honest descriptions of the role, a reply even when the answer is no — shapes how they feel about you whether or not they join.

Onboarding sets the tone for years. A new person’s first weeks go best with a clear welcome, someone to ask questions, context about why things are done, and early small wins. People who feel welcomed early tend to stay and contribute more.

Why it matters

Many working relationships succeed or fail in the first weeks. Getting hiring and onboarding right is people management at its most important.

See it happen

A new hire at Zara’s company spends the first week with no manager, no tasks and no introductions.

The first reaction

Everyone is busy and assumes the new person will find their way.

With the idea

Zara creates a simple first-week plan: a buddy, introductions, one small real task, and a check-in on Friday. The next hire says it was the best start they’ve had.

What changed

A little structure made a new person feel expected and valued.

Easy to get wrong

• Leaving candidates without a reply after interviews.
• Treating onboarding as paperwork instead of welcome.

Try it now: A first week

1. Imagine someone new joining your team, class or group.
2. Write what their first week should include.
3. Write who would be their go-to person for questions.

Questions to think about

• What was your best and worst first week somewhere new?
• How does your group treat new people?

Your challenge this week

Welcome one new person in a group you belong to this month — introduce them to someone.