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

Senior Executive Onboarding Background

• Senior Executive Onboarding is 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.

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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.

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Coaching & Feedback

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.

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Inprocessing

Customized Learning

opportunitiesdetermined by Assessments &

EDP

Administration Specific

Onboarding 

Mid-point Assessment

Prepare ExecutiveDevelopment Plan

VA Senior Executive Development Strategy (by timeline & level)

SLC II – Basic

 Compliance Training

Site/Office Visits

Customized Learning

opportunitiesdetermined by Assessments &

EDP

Customized Learning

opportunitiesdetermined by Assessments &

EDP

Individual- Performance Management- Supervisory & technical- Maintain Prof. Certifications

Administration- Functional- VHA, VBA,- NCA - VA Staff

Executive Leadership Coaching (CSEMO & VHA)

Annual Assessment(September)

Shadowing

Be a Mentor and Transition Sponsor

Prepare Executive

Transition Plan

Coaching & Career Mentoring

•

Before 1st day

1st 90

days

4-6 mont

hs

6-12 mont

hs

12-18 mont

hs

Leader Assessment

Transition Sponsor

Execute Executive

Transition Plan

Assessment

Prepare Performance

Management Plan

SLC III – Advanced

(future)VACorporate- CSEMO

VA Sponsored Opportunities

Inter-AgencyOpportunities

OPM SES Briefing OPM Seminar

Recruiting &Hiring

SLC I – Core Training

Orien

tation

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.

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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

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Point of Contact