By Mary Ellen Normen, Empowerment Growth Strategist | Learning Experience Designer, NWCFO
In this first article in a series on Self-Driven Employee Onboarding, we will cover the pre-entry plan. Rarely do organizations provide guidance to new employees on how to organize and commit to a sustainable and motivating first day or even first week. The objective of our series titled “Unlocking Success” is to equip newly hired employees with the tools necessary to realize their full potential by showcasing the many positive aspects of working for an NWCFO client. In this segment of the 90-Day Entry Plan, we will discuss the things that a new employee can do during their pre-start days to ensure that they are calm, confident, and arrive feeling ready to begin their work and their education.
Entry Planning: Pre-First Day Preparation
As a new employee, taking ownership of your entry planning process can make the difference between merely surviving your first few months and truly thriving in your new role. Research consistently shows that employees who actively participate in their onboarding experience are more likely to remain with their organization long-term and achieve.
A 90-Day Roadmap for Success: Pre-Start Preparation
The Personalysis-Powered 90-Day Entry Plan is structured into three phases, each with clear milestones and actionable steps. However, completing some preparatory work before starting will help ensure successful execution of those phases. An employee may choose to skip this step; however, doing so will likely lead to feelings of regret or obligation later on, which are not conducive to a positive mindset. It also serves as a helpful checklist to review periodically, keeping you updated on the employer’s “news” and future developments.
Pre-Start Preparation
Setting Yourself Up for Success by Clarifying Role Expectations
Your entry planning begins the moment you accept the job offer, not on your first day. Contact your new employer’s human resources department to clarify expectations, dress codes, and any materials you should review beforehand. Develop a list of questions to ask your hiring manager or team members for any updated goals or success metrics.
Checklist:
- Request job description, expectations, and metrics from HR.
- Confirm supervisor and team contact info.
- Clarify dress code and workspace details.
- Prepare a list of role-related questions for your manager.
- Identify required first-day materials or documents.
Research Organizational Context
Gain insight into your organization’s culture, mission, and priorities by investigating company news, strategic announcements, and ongoing projects. Understanding the larger context prepares you to engage thoughtfully from your first day, ask informed questions, and connect your responsibilities to wider business goals.
Checklist:
- Study recent company news, the mission statement, and strategic updates.
- Review performance data and CEO/leadership communications.
- Identify core projects and relevant departments linked to your position.
- Compile notes and questions about the organization for team conversations.
- Identify key departments and projects that intersect with your role.
Building Strategic Relationships from Day One
Networking and relationship-building should be immediate priorities, as employees who develop workplace friendships are more engaged and less likely to seek employment elsewhere. Approach colleagues with a positive attitude, maintaining open body language and genuine interest in learning about their roles and backgrounds. Take initiative in introducing yourself rather than waiting for others to approach you.
Establish open communication channels with your supervisor and colleagues from the beginning. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity and engagement, but also observe team interactions to understand communication norms and unwritten rules. Express appreciation when colleagues help you, as gratitude strengthens professional relationships.
Actively seek feedback rather than waiting for a formal review. Research indicates that employees who receive timely feedback are significantly more engaged in their work. Create opportunities for two-way communication by sharing your observations and suggestions while remaining receptive to guidance. Use anonymous feedback tools when available to provide honest insights about your onboarding experience.
Accept invitations to social events, team lunches, and informal gatherings, as these casual settings provide valuable opportunities to understand company culture and build rapport. Join relevant internal groups, forums, or professional development activities to connect with colleagues who share similar interests. Schedule one-on-one meetings with key teammates to discuss collaboration strategies and learn about their perspectives.
Checklist:
- Create a list of colleagues to reach out to (email, chat, phone).
- Arrange brief introductory chats with the manager and peers.
- Observe team interactions for communication and unwritten rules.
- Send follow-up emails or calendar invites once set up.
- RSVP or plan to join any pre-start team events.
- Periodically review Unlocking Your Success: The Sandbox Analogy for Professional Relationships.
Get Organized!
Set yourself up for a stress-free start by handling logistics and documentation in advance. Plan your commute, gather essentials, and prepare your workspace. Organize digital and physical tools for tracking tasks and feedback. Design a one-page entry plan and create systems for ongoing reflection and learning.
Plan your commute by conducting a trial run during rush hour to identify potential delays and locate parking options. This preparation reduces first-day anxiety and demonstrates your commitment to punctuality.
Organize essential documents in advance, including identification, tax forms, and banking information for direct deposit setup. Create a professional first-day kit with a notebook, pens, lunch, snacks, and personal items like a water bottle, bag lunch, and phone charger. Review the job description in detail. Make notations where you need or want clarification and form questions that will get you the information you need to perform in your role.
Checklist:
- Run a test commute and locate parking options.
- Gather and organize legal/documents: ID, tax forms, bank info.
- Prepare a day-one kit (notebook, snacks, charger, water bottle, lunch).
- Review your job description thoroughly.
- Set up planning/tracking systems (calendar, journal, entry plan doc).
- Create a running list of questions or topics for review.
- Develop a place to keep a running list of questions to bring up during team retrospectives.
- What software will you need to learn?
- Craft a one-page “entry plan” document you can share with your manager.
Successful entry planning requires a proactive approach that extends well beyond your first day. By preparing thoroughly, building strategic relationships, setting clear goals, communicating effectively, and demonstrating consistent value, you position yourself for long-term success in your new role. Remember that your first 90 days are critical for establishing your professional reputation and laying the foundation for future growth opportunities. Take charge of your onboarding experience, and you’ll not only survive the transition but thrive in your new work environment.
Why Clients Choose NWCFO
As an Empowerment Growth Strategist and Learning Experience Designer, I am passionate about helping organizations and individuals unlock their full potential. The Personalysis-Powered 90-Day Entry Plan is more than a template—it’s a proven framework that transforms onboarding into a launchpad for lasting success. By empowering employees to be active participants in their own journey, we create workplaces where people thrive, teams excel, and organizations achieve their goals.
Ready to transform your onboarding experience?
Let’s work together to build a success plan that works for you.
Current NWCFO clients should be on the lookout for a preview of the NWCFO Personalysis-Powered 90-Day Entry Plan.