Onboarding Done Right: Building Your Dream Team with BACON – Part 2 of 6
- Marty Jalove Master Happiness
- 10 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Imagine this: You’ve just landed your dream job. You’re excited, eager, and ready to hit the ground running. But on your first day, you’re greeted with… silence. No one shows you around, your desk is empty, and you’re handed a dusty manual that hasn’t been updated since the telegraph was cutting-edge technology.
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Now flip the script. What if, instead, you walked into a warm welcome, a personalized gift basket, and a mentor ready to guide you every step of the way? Which company would you want to stay with?This week on Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, host Marty Jalove dives into the art of onboarding with HR expert Leslie Day of Day HR Consulting. Together, they explore how onboarding can make or break a new hire’s experience and ultimately, the success of your team.
Meet Leslie Day: The HR Guru You Need
Leslie Day isn’t just an HR consultant; she’s a lifeline for small and mid-sized businesses navigating the ever-changing world of employment laws and best practices. With over 22 years of teaching HR certification prep at DePaul University and a thriving consulting business, Leslie knows how to balance compliance with compassion.Her partnership with Marty in this episode is electric. Marty’s infectious enthusiasm and Leslie’s no-nonsense expertise create a dynamic conversation filled with actionable insights, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs.
The BACON Framework for Onboarding Success
As always, Marty uses his signature BACON acronym to guide the discussion. Here’s how BACON applies to onboarding:
B – Begin with Culture
Onboarding isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about immersing new hires in your company’s culture. Leslie emphasizes the importance of sharing your origin story, mission, vision, and core values.“Every employee should know not just what the company stands for, but how they fit into that vision,” Marty says. “Your core values are the guardrails that keep everyone on track.”Takeaway: Start strong by making new hires feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
A – Align Expectations
Clarity is kindness. From day one, set clear expectations for your new hires. What does success look like in 30, 60, and 90 days? What are the rewards for success and the consequences of failure?Leslie shares a powerful insight: “87% of employees don’t know what’s expected of them. Managers need to be specific: what to do, what not to do, and what success looks like.”Takeaway: Clear communication is the foundation of a successful onboarding process.
C – Connect via Community
No one wants to feel like a lone wolf. Assigning a mentor or buddy can make all the difference.“A mentor isn’t just a guide; they’re a bridge to the company’s culture,” Marty explains. “They help new hires navigate the unspoken rules and build relationships.”Leslie adds, “Mentors should be trained and clear on their role. They’re there to support, not to gossip or cover for the new hire.”Takeaway: Foster a sense of belonging by connecting new hires to the team and the company.
O – Optimize the Experience
Onboarding should be efficient and engaging. Introduce new hires to key team members, provide a roadmap for success, and make sure they have the tools they need.Leslie shares a creative idea: “Send a welcome box with company swag and a team photo before their first day. It sets the tone and makes them feel valued from the start.”Takeaway: Thoughtful touches can turn onboarding into a memorable experience.
N – Notice and Notify
Onboarding doesn’t end after the first week or even the first month. Regular check-ins are crucial to ensure new hires are thriving.“Onboarding is an ongoing process,” Marty says. “Keep the lines of communication open. Ask what’s working, what’s not, and how you can help them succeed.”Leslie agrees: “Don’t just ask for feedback; use it. Nothing’s worse than sharing your thoughts and feeling ignored.”Takeaway: Continuous communication and feedback are key to long-term success.
Chemistry That Keeps You Listening
The energy between Marty and Leslie is palpable. Marty’s curiosity and humor bring out the best in Leslie’s expertise, creating a conversation that’s both insightful and entertaining. From Marty’s “double-sided ice cream cone” analogy to Leslie’s practical tips, the episode is packed with moments that make you nod, laugh, and take notes.
Bacon Bits: Key Takeaways
Culture is Key: Immerse new hires in your company’s mission, vision, and values from day one.
Clarity is Kindness: Set clear expectations and communicate them effectively.
Mentors Matter: Assign a trained mentor to guide new hires and foster connections.
Make It Memorable: Thoughtful touches like welcome boxes can leave a lasting impression.
Onboarding Never Ends: Keep checking in and evolving your process to meet the needs of your team.
Ready to Build Your Dream Team?
Onboarding isn’t just a checklist; it’s an opportunity to set the stage for success. Whether you’re a business owner, a team leader, or an employee, this episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness is a must-listen.Tune in to the full episode to hear more from Marty and Leslie, and discover how you can transform your onboarding process and your team.What’s one thing you wish your company had done during your onboarding? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Onboarding Done Right: Building Your Dream Team with BACON
To learn more about Onboarding Done Right: Building Your Dream Team with BACON go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
See it on YouTube
Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on 983thelife.com, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!
Marty Jalove of Master Happiness is a Company Coach, Business Consultant, and Marketing Strategist that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. He helps businesses struggling with communication issues between co-owners, staff, and customers grow a happier and healthier business.
Master Happiness stresses the importance of realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention. The winning concentration is simple: Happy Employees attract Happy Customers and Happy Customers come back with Friends.
Want to learn more about bringing more happiness into your workplace and life? Contact Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
Tune in to "Bacon Bits with Master Happiness" now on your favorite podcast platform and learn how to bring home the B.A.C.O.N.!



