10 things to include in a good fundraising induction
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I've just recruited some new fundraisers and I am in the process of planning their induction. In my own career I've had some poor inductions at the start of a new job. When it's badly planned it can result in a slow start, low initial confidence and poor productivity as you struggle to get up to speed.
That's why I'm spending a fair amount of time in planning the first month of activity. By doing this I hope to give the team the best possible start and give them the tools and information to be a success.
Here's what I've got in mind. Do let me know if I'm missing anything or if you have any good or bad examples of organisational inductions.
- Meetings with key people in the organisation, such as the Chief Executive.
- Introductions to colleagues - both formal and informal. A colleague recommended 'buddying' new team members with existing ones to help them feel welcome and part of the team.
- Overview of services, including personal tours and hands on experience.
- HR issues - expenses, policies etc.
- Budgets, operational plans and strategy.
- Database training.
- One to one planning to cover short term targets and objectives.
- Team planning for the short and medium term.
- Job specific training and background information on the role.
- Feedback and review to check everything is ok.
I think it's important to spread the induction out over a reasonable period of time otherwise it can result in information overload and be quite daunting!
The other important thing is keep it relaxed and fun. Being stuck in a room as a succession of people come and do their ten minute presentation (that they don't really want to do) can be fairly disheartening!