The Hidden Power of Onboarding: Making Change Stick

When it comes to creating lasting change in an organization, the usual route involves launching new initiatives, hosting team meetings, and updating materials or policies. You might see some short-term results, but the real question is: How do you make that change stick?

Here's the often-overlooked truth: The most powerful tool for lasting change isn't found in a memo or a meeting—it’s in your onboarding process.

In my book, Teacher-First Management, I dig deep into why onboarding is more than just paperwork and introductions. I outline the way that you can use onboarding to literally apply a "squeeze" that creates successful change.

If teachers need to update their teaching model, integrate new curricula, or adjust other work processes, getting buy-in can feel like an uphill battle. You might find yourself literally banging your head against the wall trying to teach old dogs new tricks. However, by embedding your desired changes in the onboarding process, you can ensure that new teachers don’t pick up outdated habits from the start. Plus, this approach helps organize your change initiative into a clear, cohesive training.

Of course, seasoned managers will know that new teachers can still be influenced by colleagues or managers stuck in the old ways. That’s where the structured training modules come in handy. These can be delivered to managers, and with new teachers coming in aligned to the new processes, and the training materials pre-prepared, your managers have a place to start. While experienced staff might resist change, the combination of new teachers trained in the updated approach and managers fully aligned with the initiative creates the necessary momentum to drive adaptation across the team. They're effectively squeezed from above and below.

The result? Resistance crumbles, and your organization shifts naturally toward the new direction.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking onboarding is a one-time process. It’s not just about getting new teachers up to speed. It’s a dynamic, ongoing system that ensures your organization evolves, stays aligned with its goals, and continuously adapts to changes.

In Teacher-First Management, I show you how to create an onboarding program that does more than just bring in new hires. It transforms your entire organization, one new teacher at a time.

If you haven’t taken a hard look at your onboarding process recently, now’s the time. My book offers a roadmap to overhaul and supercharge your onboarding strategy. Whether you're looking to inspire change or maintain consistency in a fast-growing organization, this is where it all begins.

Want to take it even further? I offer an onboarding review and retooling service that can ensure your process is optimized for real, lasting change. Let’s talk.