How To Make New Team Members Feel Welcome

I just accepted a position as HR Manager for a non-profit organization. In doing so I immediately noticed the urgent need to staff the open positions. I was here two weeks and had everyone in place. The thing is now that I have remedied the staffing issue the old troops who were begging for assistance have now taken on the “you’re an outsider” approach with the new staff. Our Executive Director has been using the many tools she has to pull this team together. My question is how can I help? I want each team member to feel wanted and valid to making up a great team.

The Team Doc Says…

This is a typical issue. People like to protect their turf even when they need help. It comes from a scarcity mindset rather than an abundance mindset. Many team members will feel that if they share their knowledge and bring new team members into the team it will minimize their efforts. But the opposite is the real truth. Sharing of knowledge and integrating new team members actually makes each individual and ultimately the team more powerful.

You need to start your team building at the beginning with this team just like it was brand new. Anytime a team has a major change, the team dynamics go right back to the Forming stage no matter where they were before. That means you need to take the time to solidify the team mission, team goals and team roles and responsibilities. Take a look at the team building checklist to get started.