Scaling Smart: How I Streamlined Onboarding During a Crisis and Saved My Sanity
The year 2021 will forever be etched in my memory. I was working as the only instructional designer for a huge department at a major university, and as the university was dealing with the pandemic, the demand for online training, tutorials, and courses had never been higher.
There was a point when the sheer volume of work felt like waves crashing over me. As the only ID, I was drowning in a sea of requests from colleagues who needed their content to be turned into an online learning asset. Nights blended into weekends, and I was barely keeping my head above water. I knew I needed to expand my team, but the thought of onboarding new hires seemed like scaling a mountain without a rope.
The Overwhelming Challenge of Time
For small business owners, the struggle to scale efficiently is deeply familiar. It's like being in a boat that's taking on water; you need to bail it out, but you also need to keep rowing forward. The traditional onboarding process felt like it would be just another wave pushing me under—time-consuming, exhaustive, and frankly, unmanageable, given my already overflowing plate.
The Lifeline of Asynchronous Learning
Salvation came unexpectedly through a colleague who had crafted an onboarding marvel for her team. She generously shared her blueprint with me—a comprehensive, adaptable onboarding program designed for instructional design associates. This program was a lifeline, coming just as I felt I was about to go under.
I quickly adapted this framework to suit our specific needs, integrating practical activities that would test and ensure the competency of my new hires. For instance, at the conclusion of a crucial module, I introduced a sample storyboard for a tutorial. This activity was designed not just to assess their ability to execute the tasks required but also to evaluate their critical thinking skills. I needed to be confident that my new employee could identify both problems and opportunities within the storyboard, providing insightful feedback to our clients—mainly faculty members.
Upon completing the module, new hires engaged with the storyboard by annotating it with their observations and suggestions for enhancements. I then reviewed these comments and offered feedback to refine their understanding and prevent any potential miscommunications with faculty. This approach went beyond merely saving time; it was crucial for maintaining my sanity by ensuring quality and efficiency without being overwhelming, thus allowing me to manage my workload effectively without sacrificing standards.
Transformative Results
This shift to asynchronous onboarding radically changed my approach to training new hires. It allowed me to step back from the brink of burnout and develop a standardized, engaging program that new hires could explore independently. This structure enabled us to focus our interactions on deep, productive discussions about their insights and any challenges they faced, enhancing both their confidence and competence.
Your Opportunity for Transformation
At Watch Me Learning Services, we deeply understand the pressures of business growth. We're committed to offering the same lifeline that dramatically improved both my work life and the effectiveness of my team. Efficient and effective asynchronous onboarding solutions respect both your time and energy, freeing you to focus on what truly matters in your business.
If you're ready to transform your onboarding process and empower your business's growth, we're here to help. Contact us for a personalized consultation. Let's make your business thrive together.
