Let’s face it. Chambers of Commerce tend to lack proper onboarding methods for its executive or upper management for one reason or another. It is what it is. Let’s drill down on tips to assist the fresh new Chamber Executive or a recently hired Chamber Professional.
A question I’m hearing more and more often is “I’m going to be onboarding someone to take over my role soon and I want to cover all the bases. Is there a universal onboarding process for a new Chamber Executive?”
The first thing that should be done is take a look at the job description. Look for any need for further clarification on any aspect of the job. Have the Chamber executive strive for complete awareness of the job responsibilities and expectations. If you are not able to have contact with your predecessor to further clarify, then consider consult with your Chairman of the Board.
As things in our lives, in our communities and in our world continue to change and in some cases get harder and harder, it is more evident a proper onboarding process is a necessity.
Then try these tips below:
- How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. There's never enough time. Recruit help, do your best.
- Be personable, approachable, and present.
- Understand budget, goals and what's expected; and reality.
- Be transparent. Know who you can trust on the board and who you need to work on.
- Have a clear understanding of the difference between what people think you should do, what is expected of you and what you are actually paid to do.
- Learn how to do task delegation. Don’t say: “I’ll just do this little thing instead of having my assistant or board member do it” and that one little thing turns into 100 little things, which becomes a big thing and keeps me from doing what I need to be focusing on”.
- Bonus tips... keep going!
- Look for a good old-fashioned Continuity Binder.
- In the first two-weeks, develop a complete schedule with times built in for meeting with staff and board members/community members.
- Include time for reading policies, setting up email, etc.
- Consider time to get a photo taken, write a press release, etc.
The Bottom Line
In short, now you have gotten familiar with how to improve the onboarding experience. These 10 tips are essential to provoke thought as you onboard with your Chamber. The bottom line is you don’t have to do this alone.
My name is Diane Probst, CCE, IOM. I am the creator and founder of Chamberology. I have developed a program especially for the newly hired Chamber executive. Learn how to build a strong foundation with this highly effective program. It’s education and experience sharing and it's all easily accessible online.
I want to be your Chamber Coach. For more of what I can offer you, visit www.chamberology.com.
