Why a Sponsor Program?
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The purpose of this program is to welcome new employees
into the organization and help them make a smooth transition into the community,
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and their new position. The information
presented here is intended to guide those wanting to be sponsors. The Sponsor
Program will help maintain an efficient and effective orientation process.
What is a Sponsor?
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A sponsor is a volunteer employee who helps a new
employee move smoothly into BLM.
Why you were Chosen to be a
Sponsor. [return to top]
You were selected by your supervisor because you are
helpful, have good judgment and communication skills, are trustworthy, and will
give the new employee a positive image of the office and BLM. The answers to the
following questions were considered when you were selected as a sponsor:
- Do you get along well with new people?
- Do you know enough people within your office and the
community to introduce the newcomer to key people outside the immediate work
group?
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Can you answer questions or direct the newcomer to
people who can?
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Do you know basic office procedures?
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Will your workload let you to take on the these
additional duties?
What is your Role as a
Sponsor? [return to top]
As a sponsor you can provide a variety of services for new
employees. Your responsibilities start right after the new employee is selected
and may continue for 1 to 12 months after the reporting date. Being a sponsor is
voluntary and should not interfere with your work and does not entitle you to
compensatory or overtime pay to carry out your sponsoring duties.
The following is a list of suggested activities. You
may not need to do all of these things, and the things you do as a sponsor need
not take much time. How well you carry out each duty will affect the success of
the new employee, so take on this role with enthusiasm.
Suggested Sponsor Activities:
- Talk to the new employee and find out what she needs
to help her move smoothly into her new job. She may need real estate
listings, local newspapers, maps, and other information of value for
relocating to a new area.
- Meet with the supervisor and discuss your role and
your plans.
- Greet newcomers when they arrive in town and help
when you can.
- Be on hand when the new employee reports to work on
his first day.
- Acquaint the new employee with office procedures.
- Explain where parking is and ways of getting to
work.
- Tell the employee about the local area and its
services.
- Explain formal and informal processes for completing
work.
- Help the employee get a "feel" for all
aspects of your office.
- Use the Orientation:
Employee Handbook as a reference
guide for web sites that might be useful to the new employee.
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Name BLM brochures or books that relate to your office
and that will help the new employee.
How to be a Good Sponsor. [return
to top]
Sponsoring is all about building a partnership between
yourself and the new employee. It is a way of building self-worth, sharing
ideas, giving support, and ensuring success. Here are some tips:
- Once the employee has been selected, immediately
call, e-mail, or meet with the new employee.
- Be friendly and sincere. Emphasize that you are really interested in the new employee.
- Encourage the new employee to be open. Let her know that she can talk to you at any time.
- When suitable, have the new employee share his goals and experiences.
- If you are in the same line of work, invite the new employee to attend some of your professional meetings.
- Help define the organizational culture.
- Promote a positive image of BLM.
- Advise but don't judge.
- Help the employee meet his or her own needs.
- Be open and honest. Help build the new employee's confidence.
- Work together with the supervisor and employee as a team to complete the orientation process.
The sponsoring relationship will end on its own accord when it no longer needed. |
