Are your new starters entering a world of ‘don’t?’

Every time I walk past this shop, (note, I walk past – not in!) I shudder.  I have actually been in once, in the hope of finding out that these ‘DON’T’ posters on the door have just been forgotten about and that things inside are in fact friendly and welcoming, but no.  Hanging from the ceiling were...

 copious other signs explaining what customers shouldn’t do!  I’m sure the staff are lovely, but I’ve never hung around long enough to find out.  I’m not interested in hovering around in a world of don’t!
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The Pavilion cafe, by contrast, offers a similar message, but does it in such a way that I feel much more obliged to, well, oblige!
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Drawing this into my own world of Training, I’ve reviewed enough induction days to draw similarities between these two signs and how companies welcome their new employees.  Does any of this sound familiar?
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• Don’t share your password
• Don’t block the fire exits
• Don’t let anyone tailgate you through a door
• Don’t answer the phone in this way…
• … and by the way, DON’T bother thinking for yourself because we’ll TELL you everything you don’t need to do! (Aren’t you glad you joined us!!!)

Inductions are important, whether formal or informal, and yes people do need to understand these messages, but the first few days in a new company should focus on three things:  

1. I’m really glad I joined this company
2. I understand what my job role is
3. I know where to find out the information I might need   

So, next time you ask someone to walk through your door ask yourself, are you asking them to enter a world of DON’T?