I tried to think about what I’ve been through when I was a fresh grad, and try not to repeat the same things to the new staff that I hand over my work to.
1. Clear instructions: fresh grads and new staff don’t know much about the work.
Clear instructions are essential. I don’t believe in those oh you need to learn and ask blah blah. What laojiao has been through laojiao me will tell you automatically. There’s no need to hide. Everything show hand. This makes things so much easier for the staff to learn and understand. It’s only when additional things appear, then the new staff approach the laojiao for help.
2. Make the office environment as amicable as possible: no one is asking to us to have parties all day. But the frequent office snack sessions that last a few minutes to me are essential. Make the new staff feel like he or she belongs to the team. Offer them snacks or drinks. Snack with them. Don’t have pantry? Bring your own snacks. Don’t let the office be like a cemetery like some depts that I’ve been to. People are too scared to talk. When they don’t talk, nothing gets convey. Mistakes will then appear.
3. Ask them if they are ok: the things that I’m handing over are very content heavy. A lot of understanding is required. Every now and then I will ask the new staff. Are you ok. Can cope or not. If cannot, show me where you cannot. What you don’t know. We can all discuss. The new staff sometimes don’t dare to speak up because they think it’s just a small thing, but it’s important to catch these small things. If they don’t ask you, you ask them. Create a clear channel for comms. Scared what? Don’t feel like you have to lower yourself to their level or what not. You have been through this before. Help them. Handhold them if they need the help.
4. Let go: once you think they are ready, let go. Let them do their thing. Only when they have questions, then help them. Controlling too much is bad. If can let go just let go. Laojiao got new things to handle.