The impact of leadership on new employees

I had the pleasure of being served at a restaurant the other day by a smiling young woman who was identified as a trainee by her name tag. She was personable, polite and efficient. I asked how her work was going. She told me that it was day one and she sometimes had to clarify some of the orders, but that people were really lovely and considerate.

I suppose because of what I do, I am very attuned to observing and encouraging people new to our world called "business". So I was a little surprised to observe her boss being quite abrupt and critical on more than one occasion as we enjoyed our lunch. There didn't seem to be any good reason for it. She was attentive and seemed to be working hard.

I couldn't help thinking that if this is your new employee's first role, whatever the industry, whatever the role, whatever the duties, as their manager, you have an incredible responsibility and opportunity. How seriously do we take that?

This is a formative life experience. We should not ever forget that. Are we doing no harm? Are we encouraging and supportive? Are we helping them understand the purpose and nature of the work they are doing, or simply training a task?

As I was leaving, I was sure to tell our server that she was doing a great job and that I liked her friendly manner and the attention she gave our table. I was also sure to tell her manager as I paid the bill.

What do you think is the most important thing we need to do as managers to support the very start of our new starter's working life?