Rethinking Induction: What We’ve Forgotten About Coming Together

Do Induction Programmes Work? Can we shake things up? It's been years since I attended one, but all I remember is receiving an overwhelming amount of information by people I didn't get to know any better during the programme.

I recently spent three days at Champagne Sports and at 4pm soccer took place. Teenagers, who had never met, congregated on the field and within five minutes they had divided themselves into teams, allocated positions, and the game began. During this process there was no arguing or ego. The priority was to get playing. As they played, they learnt each other's names and strengths. For the next game, positions were swopped based on information gathered and an hour of intense, happy competition pursued - during which time my son obtained a nickname which was adopted by everyone and stuck for the duration of our stay. On New Year’s Eve after dinner with their folks, the footballers gravitated to each other and brought in the New Year ‘dancing’ and bantering.

When did we lose to the ability to come together and make things happen for the greater purpose – playing sport in this case, but running a successful business in the corporate space? Do salaries and titles mess up our innate ability to make things work for a common purpose?

I researched successful induction programmes, and one standout case study focused on the All Blacks whose success isn't just due to athleticism, it's built on a strong culture of values, personal development, and peer leadership.

Induction Lessons from the All Blacks:

• Immersive Culture and Values: New players are inducted through a powerful historical narrative, learning about the team’s legacy and values. Like the All Blacks, employers can foster a culture where newcomers feel connected to a bigger purpose and a shared history.
• Marginal Gains: The All Blacks focus on finding even the smallest improvements in all areas of performance. Work teams can apply this approach by constantly refining their practice, even in small ways, to achieve greater impact.
• Peer Leadership: Senior players mentor newcomers, instilling high standards and accountability. This peer-to-peer model can help new employees integrate into the work community while fostering leadership at every level.
• Holistic Development: The All Blacks emphasise personal growth alongside athletic training. Similarly, corporates can support employees’ overall development, including career planning and financial literacy, ensuring a successful long-term career.
• Rituals and Tradition: From the iconic Haka to the "Black Book" of wisdom, rituals and traditions create unity and pride. Employers can use similar practices to build a cohesive culture that values, tradition, continuous learning, and resilience.

The All Blacks’ approach to induction includes blending technical skill, personal growth, and cultural immersion. Is there an opportunity to improve your induction programme?

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