For Leaders · The Leaders edition
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Today is about the people who just joined you. A warm voice early on makes it much easier for them to ask questions later.
Team message
The first week voice note
Hi [name]! I just wanted you to hear my voice this week. When I started, I remember [one real memory from your first week]. I'm free [day and time] if you'd like to talk. No agenda, just a hello.
Record it as a voice note and keep it under a minute. Leave goals and numbers out of it.
Make it yours
Use this as a starting point and swap in your own details.
- What do you honestly remember about your own first week?
- When are you really free to talk this week?
One reader’s version: Hi Becca! I just wanted you to hear my voice. My first week, I was so nervous I wrote my first post six times. I'm free Thursday after school drop off if you want to chat.
Coaching move
Let them ask the first question
On that first call, ask "What questions do you have so far?" and then stay quiet a little longer than feels natural.
New people often wait to see if questions are welcome. Your patience tells them they are.
Keep a note of their questions. They make good topics for your next team training.
Make it yours
Use this as a starting point and swap in your own details.
- How do you usually open a first call?
- Which question did you have when you started?
One reader’s version: I asked Jordan what questions she had and counted to five in my head. She finally asked how to reply to comments, and we spent the whole call on that.
Leadership post
What I remember about starting
I still remember how nervous I felt the first week I started something new.
What helped most was a short voice message from someone who simply said hello and told me when she was free.
I try to do that for every new person I meet now. It takes a minute and it means a lot.
Who made you feel welcome when you were new?
This one invites stories from your friends, so reply to each comment.
Make it yours
Use this as a starting point and swap in your own details.
- Who made you feel welcome when you were new at something?
- What small thing did they do?
One reader’s version: My first week at my last job, a coworker left a sticky note on my desk that said "Lunch is on me Friday." I've never forgotten it. Who did that for you?
Tomorrow: a practice that helps your team turn comments into real conversations.
These ideas are company-neutral and make no income, lifestyle, or health claims. Check your own company's policies before sharing.
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