What if I told you there’s a simple way to speed up a new hire’s adaptation and reduce misunderstandings from Day 1?
I swear by Gallup’s “Best of Us” exercise.
This tool is perfect for those early, in-depth discussions between managers and their direct reports. It brings clarity, trust, and teamwork right from the start, helping both parties understand each other better.
Here’s how it works:
The Best of Us Exercise:
During the first week, take an hour to sit down with your new hire and have a candid conversation.
Answer four simple prompts together—maybe over a cup of tea or even a glass of wine if the atmosphere allows. This approach sets the tone for transparency and collaboration.
Here are the four prompts:
- You get the best of me when…
- You get the worst of me when…
- This is what you can count on me for…
- This is what I need from you…
The key? Be real.
Seven years ago, I sat down with my boss and told her she wouldn’t get regular reporting from me. I also asked for the freedom to do my job the way I knew best without her constantly overseeing me.
Awkward? Yes, maybe.
But this exercise saves time and avoids friction—a must for busy leaders who can’t afford any miscommunication.
This exercise is especially valuable for new hires, but it’s not just limited to them.
You’ll find it works with people you’ve known for years, too. You’ll always uncover new insights that can help improve how you work together.
The bottom line?
The Best of Us exercise helps you create an open, honest, and productive working relationship with your new hires from the very beginning. It’s a crucial step in fostering trust, setting expectations, and reducing any potential conflict down the road.
By using this simple tool, you’re not only getting to know your new hire, you’re setting them up for success. You’re helping them thrive within your company culture, and ensuring that they understand how to work best with you and your team.
Ready to try it out?
If you’re keen to explore employee engagement at your company, let’s discuss.
We can work together on strategies to improve workplace engagement and employee success at your company.
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