Company Inductions - Are we asking too much too soon?

Several years ago, my mum ventured into her first ever Starbucks store. Nothing particularly interesting about that, however, they were just starting their 'can I take your name for the cup' shenanigans, and my mum answered, 'Ruth'.

Again, not much interesting about this either, until you understand that, a) her name is not Ruth! and b) when I asked her why she had given a different name she replied...

"Why do they need my real name to make me a coffee?" 

Several years later, she visits the store almost every day and they always greet her with a smile, make her a coffee and call her Ruth!

​This got me thinking about how much we expect from new starters in company inductions. Especially on their first day when they have only just sat down, possibly with a bunch of people they have never met before. Icebreaker and energisers can be used to good effect if they are relevant and/or subject related, but if you are still asking people to share personal information for no apparent reason just be aware that while some will offer you everything about themselves without batting an eyelash, some may well be Ruth's!

(This post has been refreshed and updated from my original post back in 2017… but it’s still relevant and fits nicely with our ‘Company induction’ theme this month.)

P.S My Starbucks name, in tribute to my stubborn, independent and all round amazing mum, is now Rosie... hence the photo! 😊

if you are interested in finding out more about induction you can find a four part video mini series on the Curious L&D Conversations page