Months 6-9: Stakeholder Alignment

At this stage, you’re continuing to build trust and deepen your connections. It’s not just about delivering on your responsibilities; it’s also about shaping how you collaborate with others. While you’re likely already working with key partners, this onboarding phase focuses on strengthening those relationships and aligning how to work together effectively. Strong, healthy working relationships will help you and those around you succeed.

Here are some ways to focus your energy:

• Identify Your Key Partners: Who relies on your work? Whose work do you depend on? Take time to identify these individuals or teams and understand their needs, priorities and communication styles.
• Clarify Shared Goals: Where your work intersects with others, seek alignment. Confirm shared goals, timelines and expectations to reduce confusion and build mutual accountability.
• Communicate with Intention: Be proactive and consistent in how you share updates, ask questions and raise concerns. Thoughtful communication builds trust and strengthens collaboration.
• Practice Relationship Maintenance: Don’t wait until there’s a challenge to connect. Regular, informal check-ins help sustain rapport and show that you value the relationship.
• Model Respect and Openness: Strong partnerships require curiosity, empathy and adaptability. Show appreciation for others’ perspectives and invest in resolving friction constructively.

How you work with others can be just as important as the work itself. Strengthening your key partner relationships now will help you navigate complexity, influence outcomes and lead through collaboration, regardless of your role or title.

Wexner Medical Center Team Members: For additional onboarding resources and guidance specific to the Wexner Medical Center, visit go.osu.edu/wmconboarding.