By Kristen Raves, Account Director at Fishhook, since April 2023
I’ve had approximately six onboardings in my 20+ years of working. Some were great. Some were not. Some never even existed. While my experiences may have been all over the place, the onboarding process is one that shouldn’t be.
Statistically, 86% of people will leave within six months if they do not have a positive onboarding experience. On the flip side, employees are 69% more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experience a great onboarding process. Those retention rates are drastically different and can even make or break an organization.
It’s no surprise that my onboarding experience at Fishhook has been one of the best I’ve ever had (shout out to Leah Norton, Shayla Kenworthy and the rest of the team!). So much so that I have told others this is my “long-haul” position (yay, I’m a good statistic!). Here are some reflections on my Fishhook onboarding experience and what made it so great (and different) from my past experiences.
Prior To Day 1
Before I even started at Fishhook, I received such pleasant email exchanges with Leah and Shayla both sharing their excitement for me to join the team. One of the project managers even reached out inquiring what my favorite snacks and drinks were. Leading up to my first day, I was given specific directions about when and where to be, so there were no surprises. The communication was clear, friendly and welcoming. I felt like I was part of the team before I even began.
Weeks 1 & 2
From the moment I stepped into the office I was greeted with warm smiles, positive energy, a personalized office sign and my favorite snacks (food is very important to us!). It immediately made me feel at home in my new space.
Over the course of the week, the team made sure I had everything I needed to get set up for success including a to-do list so I didn’t sit there awkwardly staring at my computer with nothing to do. Because the learning curve at an agency is steep with new systems, processes, clients, teammates and rhythms, it’s kind of a whirlwind. Throughout the first few weeks, I took part in meetings with all of our teams including: Account Director/Project Manager, Web/digital and Visual design. This was an integral part to my understanding of how the workflows and teams function at Fishhook. Plus it helped me connect with and get to know each team member.
Shayla and Leah took the time to share the history of Fishhook. I believe this is so powerful because I got to see the heart behind the organization (in our case it’s a very BIG heart). As a former client, I knew some of these things but not to the extent that was shared, so it was also fun to learn how it all came about and how it got to be what it is today.
Month 1
A big part of my first month was sitting in on client meetings with other account directors. Each of our clients are vastly different in size, ministry approach, culture, communications and leadership style, and those meetings gave me an insightful view on the best ways to connect with our churches and ministries. Listening and observing the leadership, preparation and follow up from each team member gave me a holistic perspective into the function of the team and how we move projects forward. Those have been some of the most valuable moments in my first few weeks.
Months 2 and 3
I’m still learning and messing up (eek!), but things are beginning to come more naturally each day. And, my leaders are so gracious in those moments. They take the time to dive deeper into why things might be done a certain way or reflect on what I might do differently next time. Heading into my next few months, I have a clear direction and set goals on how to continue growing in my role and as a Fishhook employee. In short, my onboarding experience has been one of learning and growth!
By Leah Norton, Account Director/Managing Partner at Fishhook, since June 2005
I read Kristen’s sharing above, and I’m humbled. I’m so thankful for her experience as a new Fishhooker and her kind sharing. What she has outlined above is our ideal! However - I know there have been many times throughout the years at Fishhook when we didn’t have much of an onboarding process or we didn’t have the time or attention to give each new staff member (like they needed or deserved).
To our cherished Fishhookers - both past, present and future - I’m sorry when we didn’t get it right for you. What I share below is what we are learning and aim to live out in our onboarding process. I hope this is encouraging to other teams!
How is your onboarding process? What does it involve? We’d love to hear what is working well for your team, what you are learning or what questions you have. We’re always praying for you and cheering you on!