SENIOR EXECUTIVE ONBOARDING BRIEFING

1. SENIOR EXECUTIVE ONBOARDING BRIEFING WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Corporate Senior Executive Management Office (CSEMO) “Managing the Executive Life-Cycle for VA” September 9, 2014

2. Senior Executive Onboarding Background • Senior Executive Onboardingis the way the Department acquires, receives and welcomes, and acclimates new leaders into the VA organizational culture and business. • The purpose behind onboarding is to: • Make new senior executives feel welcome and comfortable in their new surroundings. • Aid in their transition into role as strategic leaders for the Department. • Provide a fast track to meaningful, productive work and strong employee relationships.

3. The Need for Senior Executive Onboarding • The first 100 days are critical to setting the tone: “It is surprising how quickly you need to make decisions that are going to stick and once you have made the decision, you are locked. It has to be really good the first time.” • Five common derailers* for new senior executives: • Failure to establish partnerships and key connections. • Lack political savvy to effectively navigate the organization. • Failure to establish a culture fit. • Unclear about role expectations. • Ineffective people management/team building skills. * Based on survey conducted by Corporate Leadership Council. Coaching & Feedback

4. Senior ExecutiveOnboarding Program Goals • For newly placed senior executives, the Onboarding Program will: • Provide insights regarding the VA’s structure and culture. • Inform on VA Core Values (ICARE), standards, and expectations. • Facilitate a smooth transition into a new leadership position. • Build critical thinking and strategic decision-making capabilities. • Foster the establishment of networks and relationships. • Chart a course to achieve executive success. The Secretary charted a deliberate course, requiring the corporate management of VA senior executives and he continuously emphasizes the importance of professional training and development for VA leaders.

5. VA Senior Executive Development Strategy (by timeline & level) Inprocessing Recruiting &Hiring SLC II – Basic SLC III – Advanced (future) SLC I – Core Training VA Sponsored Opportunities VA Corporate - CSEMO Orientation Leader Assessment Executive Leadership Coaching (CSEMO & VHA) Inter-Agency Opportunities OPM SES Briefing OPM Seminar Administration - Functional - VHA, VBA, - NCA - VA Staff Administration Specific Onboarding • Prepare Executive Transition Plan Be a Mentor and Transition Sponsor Site/Office Visits Shadowing Compliance Training Transition Sponsor Coaching & Career Mentoring Prepare Executive Development Plan Mid-point Assessment Annual Assessment (September) • Individual • Performance Management • Supervisory & technical • Maintain Prof. Certifications Prepare Performance Management Plan Customized Learning opportunities determined by Assessments & EDP Customized Learning opportunities determined by Assessments & EDP Customized Learning opportunities determined by Assessments & EDP • Execute Executive Transition Plan Assessment

6. Onboarding – the Way Ahead • Throughout all phases, CSEMO remains in close contact with new senior executive and his/her supervisor. • Begins with in-person or virtual orientation briefing. • Monitor progress through the Executive Onboarding Checklist. • Conduct required probationary checks (for SES members). • Coordinate training and senior executive leader development opportunities. • Seek feedback on the onboarding experience. • Post-Onboarding - out to 18 months. • Monitor and complete probationary status at end of one year. • CSEMO will monitor and is ready to assist new VA senior executive with additional resources and support.

7. Point of Contact For more information on CSEMO’s Senior Executive Onboarding Program, contact: Ruth Hicks-Oglesby Executive Training & Development Specialist ruth.hicks-oglesby@va.gov 202-461-7813 Patrick M. Gawkins CSEMO, Program Management Director Patrick.Gawkins@va.gov (202) 461-7857