08/10/2026
It's happening! I finally got to choose my puppy! 🐶
Meet Prince. (Well... almost. 😊)
As I've been getting ready for his arrival, I've found myself thinking about something I talk to clients about all the time: Successful On-Boarding!!!
I've been puppy-proofing my home, buying supplies, thinking through routines, and making sure Prince has everything he needs to be set up for success from day one.
It reminds me so much of employee onboarding.
Too often, organizations spend weeks or even months finding the right person, only to expect them to "figure it out" once they start.
The best onboarding experiences, just like welcoming a new puppy home, require preparation, consistency, patience, and clear expectations.
Interestingly enough, I recently had a fascinating conversation on a podcast with Jackye Clayton, a dog behaviorist and talent management expert. We talked about the surprising similarities between dog behavior and employee behavior, and how both are shaped by the environment, consistency, communication, and leadership.
Whether you're welcoming a new employee or a new four-legged family member, success starts long before day one. Those who fail to plan...you know the rest!
Now... I need your help. Which picture of Prince is your favorite? 🐾 💜 It will be his profile pic. LMAO