A buddy is someone who partners with a new employee during his/her first 2 months of employment. While primarily responsible for offering advice and guidance regarding the day-to-day aspects of working at NYU, the buddy may also offer encouragement and knowledge resources, as they help introduce the new employee to the NYU culture.
Key characteristics of a buddy include:
- Communicator: A buddy should encourage open communication. The buddy should provide relevant information to the new employee and encourage a process of continued, self-directed learning.
- Role Model: The buddy should be a model employee and exemplify our values.
- Motivated: The buddy should have a positive outlook on his/her work and use that perspective to help build self-confidence and loyalty in the new employee. The buddy should lead by example.
- Strong Performer: The buddy can help guide the new employee in many situations based on his/her experience and knowledge obtained in the work environment. Why have a buddy?
Impact
The purpose of team members assigned a buddy is to help onboard team members and reaffirm their decision to become entrepreneurs. It provides team members with a reliable, motivated, single point-of-contact for their basic questions regarding their work experience. It also helps establish orientation as a process, rather than a single learning event. Other advantages of having a buddy include:
- Build on the knowledge obtained during the education
- Enable team members to become more knowledgeable about practices and organizational culture in a shorter period
- Reduce the initial confusion and uncertainty faced by team members
- Maximize the productivity of team members
- Increase the team members self-confidence allowing him/her to focus on adding value
Buddy Selection Criteria
Hiring managers are responsible for selecting a buddy for their new employee. Selections should be based on the following characteristics:
- Demonstrates strong performance
- Has time for conversations
- Is skilled in/has knowledge of the new employee’s job
- Is a peer of the new employee
- Has patience and good communication and interpersonal skills
- Wants to be a buddy
- Is well regarded and accepted by current team members