I’ve worked for a few large companies over the years, and as those of you who also have done so know that most offer a “orientation” or “get to know the company” seminars that you get sent to with all the bells and whistles.

They provide adequate food (sometimes) and a posh hotel conference room where they play upbeat music. They try to make you believe that you will have fun, and learn a lot from the experience. You then proceed to drink 18 cups of coffee every hour to fight off the overwhelming desire to sleep, or crawl under your table and pull your hair out one strand at a time.

Corporate indoctrination experiences are often dull, boring, ineffective, a waste of money, and at best do not engage the new employee enough to garner any real interest.

Well, I just got back from a two day affair (called DaVita Academy) that, far and away, was the most effective event I’ve ever been to. Not just for an orientation seminar, but ANY event. DaVita, if you don’t know the name (and you probably don’t) is a dialysis service company. We have over 1400 clinics across the country in which we provide dialysis treatment and support services to people with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease, or kidney failure).

This company is different – well not different, I dare say it is unique – in how it approaches supporting the people who provide the care to our patients. The support services are myriad, effective, caring, and make a difference in the lives of the patients and the teammates (what we call employees, or staff). I spoke with dozens of people at this event – which was attended by approximately 400 out of our 30,000+ teammates – and from the CEO of the company down to the PTCs (Patient Care Technicians), everyone truly believes our purpose is to provide the best possible care to ESRD patients. It was truly amazing to talk with these people.

As for the seminar, while I found my eyes glazing over several times, I did get an appreciation for the effort that is put forth to make DaVita a fulfilling and fun place to work. The “fun” aspect at Academy was a bit overwhelming. I like to have fun as much as the next person, but it reached a level that was a bit creepy to me. I started looking for the teammates who would be giving us our orange robes and flowers that we should start giving to people at the airport. I like my hair short, but not that short.

However, as with any event like this, as long as you walk in willing to take the experience in the spirit in which it is given, you can leave with some positive ideas. At this company, the people make the difference. The presentations had no impact on what I do, or how I do my job, but meeting the amazing people that work at this company did have an impact.

If anyone has a very positive, or very negative story about corporate indoctrination, I’d love to hear it.