Welcome to the first part of our three-part series on "Optimizing Onboarding for Tech Professionals." In this series, we'll delve into a comprehensive strategy designed especially for small to medium startups.
Today, we tackle three prevalent challenges in tech onboarding:
1. Lack of Structure: New tech recruits often feel overwhelmed without a clear roadmap for their initial days.
2. Passive Learning: The information overload approach leads to low retention and engagement, akin to force-feeding ducks.
3. Feedback Gap: Timely and constructive feedback is often absent, impeding their growth.
So, how do we address these issues?
Solution 1: Building a Role-Based Onboarding Framework with Bloom's Taxonomy
In the dynamic tech landscape, creating role-specific frameworks is paramount. Drawing from my teaching experience and Bloom's Taxonomy, we've designed a structured framework with clear objectives and outcomes at six levels of learning. For instance, in the role of a Solutions Engineer (SE), modules are tailored to cover:
- Knowledge
- Comprehension
- Application
- Analysis
- Synthesis
- Evaluation
Pro Tip: Document each learning activity and save artifacts in a shareable folder for visibility and reference.
Solution 2: Embracing the 70-20-10 Rule
Learning extends beyond traditional training. The 70-20-10 rule advocates a balance between formal learning (10%), learning from others (20%), and learning through experience (70%). For SEs, we pair them with experienced team members as onboarding buddies, ensuring access to the right resources and tribal knowledge.
Pro Tip: Build a network of go-to experts across the organization for invaluable insights.
Solution 3: Implementing a Rigorous Feedback Loop
Timely feedback is vital for growth. We implement a continuous feedback loop following the PDCA cycle, focusing on real-time adjustments and iterative learning. For SEs, this means daily check-ins with mentors, weekly team-based pulse checks, and prompt feedback collection.
Pro Tip: Collect feedback at the end of each module and promptly return it to learners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
About Celine Valentine
Celine Valentine is a passionate advocate for bridging the worlds of education and technology. With a background in both fields, she shares valuable insights and resources to empower growth and innovation. Join her on CelineValentine.com for thought leadership in onboarding and enablement.