At the end of my first day at Microsoft, I received a wonderful “Welcome aboard” note from my manager Danny Ong (whom I am now privileged to call a friend, and whose influence in my life continues far beyond the time we spent working together). I’ve since adapted it for my own use. I hope it encourages my own new team members in the same way I was encouraged when I first started working with Danny.
Dear [name],
Welcome aboard and thank you for saying yes to this adventure!
As you are new to [company] and this team, plus you and I are working closely together in this context for the first time, I’d like to share some principles I will try to live by to support you, and set you up for success with the team:
- My #1 priority is your happiness and productivity at work. If there’s anything I can do to make you happier and more efficient – tell me right away. This isn’t mere idealism – it’s also good business, since happy people are more productive.
- I will not burden you with unnecessary rules and regulations. You’re are an adult – I trust you to use your best judgment at all times.
- You have my full permission to screw up, as long as you own up to it, apologize to those affected and learn from it.
- Please tell me immediately when I screw up, so I can own up to it, apologize and learn from it.
- If I get it right occasionally, I’d love to hear about it from you, too J
- Please make sure you proactively identify people who are doing great work and praise them to the heavens. I will do this as much as humanly possible, but I can’t do it alone.
- I will always have time for you. My calendar is open to you and you will see that it is often completely full. However, if you need to speak to me I will re-arrange it to accommodate you.
- I am interested in you as an employee AND as a human being. I care about your private life and about your – and your family’s – health and well-being.
- I expect you to take responsibility for your personal and professional development. I will support you fully with helping you to achieve your goals, but the commitment must come from you.
- Finally, I expect you to take responsibility for your own well-being at work. If you can do something today to make yourself, a co-worker or me a little happier at work – do it !
I’m looking forward to your success!
Sincerely,
Leigh
