Grooming a New Employee for a Bigger, Better Role

So, you’re in the market for an entry-level employee or two? You may be thinking that hiring new employees are meant to fill the gaps in your small business now. But in order to establish a long running, successful business, that’s not necessarily the way you should be filling your small business jobs.

Rather, you should be looking for new employees today that will become the leaders for your business tomorrow.

Hire smart. Signing on a new employee today with the future of your business in mind requires you to look at job candidates a little differently, as well as the hiring process in general. You’re not just filling a present day vacancy; you’re looking for new hires who have the capacity to grow with your small business.

This requires asking more about commitment, a lifetime career path and their insights into the company. What are their plans for professional growth? How do they think they can impact the business on a large scale?

Make an investment. The key to turning new hires into loyal employees is investment — in them. Nothing makes a new hire feel more welcome like training and orientation activities. It shows them that you’re committed to not only them functioning in their new role but in their growth as professionals.

Also, talk to them about what they hope to accomplish as a new employee and eventually, as a long-time contributor to the success of the business. Getting an idea of how they want to evolve will give you a better idea of their career track, and ultimately how they fit into the business you hope to have.

Business mentoring. Once new hires fill your vacant small business jobs, don’t just leave them to perform the every day responsibilities and tasks for that particular position. Encourage them beyond their job description.

With that, offer mentoring activities and services for your new hires. Encourage your older, more experienced employees to take a new employee under their wing. They cannot only provide guidance on life as a professional but on your business as well. They can essentially be training a new employee to one day fill their shoes.

Granted, this formula isn’t always going to work perfectly. But when you can take one or two new hires and transform them into your small business’ leadership in the future, it’s well worth the loss you may experience along the way. You will have loyal employees who not only know your business front to back but have also grown with it during the ups and downs.

How else can you encourage a new employee into becoming the future of your small business? Tell us now in our comments!