We’ve all encountered the boss who’s “too busy.” Some of us may have even been that boss. But how do “busy” leaders balance their workload while training new employees and setting clear expectations? When expectations remain unspoken, they can become invisible barriers to success, leaving new hires to navigate uncertainty and frustration.

I use “busy” in quotes not to diminish the legitimacy of a packed schedule, but because how we allocate our time is ultimately within our control. And when it comes to new hires, this allocation can have serious consequences.

Recently, I heard about someone being let go just shy of three weeks on the job—not for attendance issues, personality conflicts, or poor performance, but simply for failing to meet vague, unspoken expectations. Three weeks. Is that truly enough time to determine if someone is a fit?

This raises some critical questions:

• How do we clearly define and communicate expectations to give employees a fair shot?
• How can we ensure we’re setting up new hires for success?
• What’s a reasonable timeframe to assess a new hire’s potential?

As leaders, we often forget how much time and effort it took us to understand an industry, a company’s processes, and the nuances of why things are done a certain way. It’s easy to expect new hires to “get it” right away, but even the sharpest employees need guidance, direction, and support.

Every employee, regardless of role—entry-level to C-suite—deserves clear goals. Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose. Without them, success becomes subjective and unattainable. We fail our employees when we fail to define what success looks like.

Sure, some people are naturals and may just “get it,” but even they benefit from a framework to follow. No one is a mind reader.

Let’s commit to doing better. Give your new hires the respect, time, and priority they deserve. Their success is your success. After all, an employee is only as good as the team and leadership that supports them.

Want to ensure your new hires have the tools they need to thrive? Contact me at info@myerscontentdesign.com.

🟪 Follow Myers Content & Design on LinkedIn and Facebook for more insights and strategies!💡

#NewHireSuccess #EmployeeOnboarding #LeadershipTips #ClearExpectations #TeamDevelopment #OperationalExcellence