Microsoft's Model, Coach, Care Management Framework
Leaders at Microsoft spent two years deliberating, conducting interviews, surveys, and focus groups to redefine the manager role as "delivering success through empowerment and accountability by modeling, coaching, and caring."
Microsoft's Managers Model
Modeling means managers embody company culture, values, and leadership principles through their actions rather than directives alone. They identify their own growth opportunities and adjust their approaches accordingly.
Microsoft's Managers Coach
Managers extend beyond compliance to coach employees toward excellence by defining team objectives, enabling cross-boundary collaboration, and helping teams develop solutions independently rather than providing answers. This approach increases productivity and workplace satisfaction.
Microsoft's Managers Care
Managers make employees feel valued by building intentional connections, listening to understand individual aspirations, and investing in growth through quality conversations and performance discussions.
The Role of Managers in Employee Onboarding
According to Microsoft's New Future of Work Report: "Managers hold the dial that brings everything into focus, especially in a time of hybrid work. In short, managers matter more than ever."
During the pandemic transition to virtual onboarding, Microsoft surveyed over 25,000 employees. They discovered that "new hires whose managers played an active role were 3.5 times more likely to be satisfied with their onboarding experience."
Implement Microsoft's Management Framework in Employee Onboarding
Modeling Increases Employee Confidence
Incorporate modeling by having managers share videos or materials depicting company culture and personal impact. Schedule discussions where managers define leadership principles with new hires as growth opportunities.
Coaching Strengthens Employee Clarification
Microsoft's Head of People Analytics noted: "Our data show that new hires who are clear about what's expected of them had a better onboarding experience. Less was left on the table."
Implement coaching through regular one-on-one meetings with two-way feedback, and introduce new hires across departments to establish shared goals and prevent silos.
Caring Builds Team Connection
Microsoft recommends positioning "managers as the first line of support for those who are new to the company." Schedule time within the first two weeks for managers to learn about each new hire's personal and professional goals.
Coach Your Managers for Onboarding Success
Manager involvement is the key to onboarding success. We help you coach managers using Microsoft's proven framework.
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