An onboarding role success sponsor is a new team member’s peer who assists them in navigating their new role and team. This sponsor partners closely with the new team member’s direct supervisor to ensure new team member’s questions get answered, the pre-established onboarding/orientation plan is followed, and the new team member adapts well to their new team. Some examples of tasks that may be asked of an onboarding role success sponsor are:

• Answer questions and refer the new team member to pertinent resources
• Provide wayfinding support (e.g., building layout, introducing the new team member to relevant others)
• Familiarize the new team member with the team’s culture (e.g., values, guiding principles, team norms)
• Support the new team member’s immediate productivity by offering job shadowing and other development opportunities as available and appropriate (or solidifies those opportunities for the new team member as they arise)

It is also recommended that the onboarding role success sponsor hold weekly check-in meetings with the new team member for at least the first two months. This will ensure the onboarding process is meeting the needs of the new team member and determine if any additional support is needed.

An onboarding role success sponsor is NOT:

• Responsible for the entire onboarding process
• A mentor focused on the long-term growth and development of the new team member
• A direct supervisor responsible for the new team member’s job performance (or evaluating their job performance)

Considerations When Assigning an Onboarding Role Success Sponsor

As the direct supervisor of the new team member, you will take the lead in the onboarding process (partnering closely with the onboarding role success sponsor). When identifying an individual to serve as an onboarding role success sponsor, consider:

• An individual in the same functional area as the new team member
• An individual in the same role as the new team member
• An individual who demonstrates proficiency in the tasks that will be assigned to the new team member
• An individual who has a solid grasp on the team culture

You should reach out to the identified onboarding role success sponsor before officially assigning them to get their input and agreement on serving in this role. You can emphasize these benefits:

• Leadership development
• An increased network
• Opportunity to support others

Additional Recommendations

Once identified, the onboarding role success sponsor may wish to send an introductory email to the new team member.

It is also recommended that the direct supervisor hold regular check-ins with the onboarding role success sponsor (e.g., every other week). This will help to assess how the relationship with the new team member is going and if any additional support is needed.