How do you onboard new employees effectively? Don't leave it all to HR. While HR handles paperwork and compliance, leaders must own the relationship-building aspects of onboarding. Stay in contact before Day 1, ensure workspace and tools are ready, conduct weekly one-on-ones for the first 90 days, and teach culture through real stories instead of just handing someone a handbook.

Episode Description

Your HR department is great at what they do. They handle paperwork, benefits, compliance training.

But they can't make someone feel like they belong on your team. That's your job.

Most managers think onboarding is HR's responsibility. So they stay hands-off until Day 1—or worse, Week 2. And by Month 3, they're wondering why their new hire is disengaged.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What to do before Day 1 to build excitement and connection
• How to make Day 1 seamless instead of awkward
• Why weekly one-on-ones are non-negotiable for the first 90 days
• How to teach culture through stories, not slides

Because HR can handle the paperwork. But building belonging? That's on you.

Resources Mentioned

• Dan Collard quote: "Culture can't just hang on the walls. It has to walk the halls."

Connect with Colby Morris

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris
Website: nxtstepadvisors.com

Coming Soon (April 2026)

• Second weekly podcast episode featuring interviews with leaders
• YouTube version of The Things Leaders Do podcast

Remember: HR can handle the paperwork. But you have to handle the belonging.

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• Things Leaders Do Instagram