Learn the Ropes: Onboarding Strategies That Match Your Learning Preferences

Whether you landed a new job, pivoted into a new role, or got a promotion, are you ready to hit the ground running?

The key to a smooth transition is to choose onboarding strategies that align with your preferred style of learning.

Learn How You Learn Best

Whenever you encounter a new challenge or need to acquire a new skill, understanding your preferred learning style can make the process more effective and efficient. Reflect on your past experiences across work, school, and hobbies to identify your preferred learning style.

Here’s an overview of common learning preferences:

Hands-on Learners

Hands-on learners prefer learning by doing. They engage directly with tasks and activities to understand concepts.

The most effective strategies for these learners are hands-on practice, interactive workshops, and real-world applications. They benefit from jumping straight into tasks and learning through trial and error.

Visual Learners

Visual learners benefit from diagrams, flowcharts, infographics, slides, and visual aids to grasp new information.

Visual representations of data and information will help these learners most. Visual learners thrive when they can see information organized in a clear, visual format.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best through listening to explanations, discussions, and verbal instructions.

Engaging in group discussions, listening to lectures or podcasts, and verbalizing concepts can aid their learning process. Auditory learners often benefit from explaining new ideas to others or repeating information out loud.

Reading/Writing Learners

Reading/writing learners prefer reading texts, manuals, and documentation, and taking notes to reinforce learning.

These learners excel when provided with written materials to study. They benefit from extensive note-taking, reading comprehensive guides, and writing summaries of what they've learned.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners need to engage in physical activities and experiments to understand and remember new information.

Involving physical movement or hands-on activities, such as building models, conducting experiments, or using physical objects in learning, can be highly effective. Kinesthetic learners benefit from learning on the move and incorporating physical actions into their study routines.

Social Learners

Social learners thrive in group settings and learn best through interaction with others.

Participating in group projects, study groups, and collaborative learning environments enhances their learning experience. Social learners benefit from discussing concepts with peers and working through problems together.

Solitary Learners

Solitary learners prefer to work alone and use self-study methods.

These learners excel with self-paced study schedules, personal goal setting, and independent research. Solitary learners benefit from having quiet, dedicated study time to focus without distractions.

By recognizing your preferred learning style, you can structure your onboarding process to maximize your comprehension and retention of new information.

Strategies to Match Your Learning Preferences

Once you’ve identified your learning style, choose onboarding strategies that work well for you.

Here are eight high-level strategies you can use to learn the ropes in your new role:

1. "I Do, We Do, You Do"

This approach is great for hands-on and social learners. It involves three stages:

• I Do: Watch an experienced colleague perform the task. Pay attention to their methods and techniques.
• We Do: Collaborate with your colleague, performing the task together. This allows you to practice with guidance.
• You Do: Take the lead and perform the task independently, with feedback from your colleague. This reinforces your learning through direct experience.

2. Shadowing Colleagues

Shadowing is ideal for visual and kinesthetic learners. Spend time observing your colleagues as they perform their daily tasks. Take notes and ask questions to gain insights into the workflows and processes. This hands-on observation helps you visualize how tasks are performed and understand the context in which they occur.

3. Reading Manuals and Documentation

If you’re a reading/writing or solitary learner, immerse yourself in the company’s manuals, documentation, and any available training materials. Create detailed notes and summaries to reinforce your understanding. This method allows you to learn at your own pace and refer back to the material as needed.

4. Structured Training Programs

Auditory and reading/writing learners may benefit from structured training programs or classes. These can include in-person or online courses, webinars, or workshops offered by the company or external providers. Listening to lectures, participating in discussions, and reading supplementary materials can provide a comprehensive learning experience.

5. Mentorship

Pairing with a mentor can be beneficial for all learning styles. A mentor provides guidance, answers questions, and offers feedback as you navigate your new role. Regular check-ins ensure you’re on the right track and provide a safe space to discuss challenges. Mentors can adapt their teaching style to match your learning preferences.

6. Interviewing Team Members

This strategy works well for auditory and kinesthetic learners. Conduct informal interviews with team members from different departments. Ask about their roles, challenges, and how they collaborate with your team. This helps you understand the broader organizational context and build relationships. Active listening and engaging in conversations can enhance your learning experience.

7. Engaging in Cross-Functional Projects

For kinesthetic and hands-on learners, participating in cross-functional projects can provide a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations. It allows you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios and see how different departments interact. This experiential learning approach can solidify your understanding through practice.

8. Interactive Workshops

Workshops that encourage participation and problem-solving can be effective for all learning styles, especially kinesthetic, visual, and social learners. These sessions often include activities like role-playing, group discussions, and hands-on tasks. Engaging in interactive activities can help you grasp complex concepts and retain information better.

Mix and Match

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to onboarding. Every individual, company, and role may require a different strategy. Combine multiple approaches and adapt them based on your learning preferences. For example, you might start with "I Do, We Do, You Do" for specific tasks, supplement with reading manuals for deeper understanding, and schedule interviews with team members to build relationships.

Ramp Up with Confidence

Effective onboarding is about finding the right balance and continuously assessing your progress. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something isn’t working for you. When you choose your onboarding strategy based on your preferred learning methods, you'll be better equipped to navigate your new role with confidence and ease.