⭐ First Week Favorites

How to Play

First Week Favorites is a gentle check-in designed for the end of a new hire's first week. Using simple prompts like 'One tool you found useful this week' or 'One small win from your first week,' the game creates space for reflection without requiring deep or personal answers. Managers and buddies can participate alongside new hires, modeling that it is okay to share small, imperfect responses. The game normalizes the reality that the first week is about learning, not performing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Schedule a 10-minute check-in at the end of the new hire's first week.
2. Use the tool to generate a random prompt.
3. Give everyone a moment to think. Go around and let people share at their own comfort level.
4. Managers and buddies should share first to model that low-stakes answers are welcome.
5. Thank each person for sharing. No follow-up questions unless the person invites them.
6. Repeat with 2-3 prompts, or until the group feels complete.

Tips for Hosts

• Keep prompts focused on practical discoveries, not emotional reflections. 'One tool you found useful' is better than 'How do you feel.'
• If someone cannot think of an answer, let them pass. 'I am still figuring things out' is a perfectly valid response.
• Managers should avoid evaluating answers. This is a sharing activity, not a performance review.
• For one-on-one onboarding, use the prompts as casual conversation starters during a coffee chat.

Best Use Cases

• First-week check-ins: A structured way to reflect on early experiences.
• Manager one-on-ones: Use a single prompt to open a supportive conversation.
• Buddy program meetings: Buddies can use the prompts to guide their check-in conversations.
• Remote onboarding: Especially valuable for remote hires who may have fewer informal check-in moments.

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