Linking worksheets based on an action

[dpiatt]

I have 3 separate worksheets that I need to have First and last name created and the start date on all three. Tracking sheet step 1 is the originator once I enter the start date, I need the first and last name to be copied over to New hire spreadsheet - step 2 then to employee vacation tracker step 3. How do I get the 3 items to appear on each once i enter the start date on step 1. Thank you.
Tracking Sheet step 1.xlsxNew Hire Spreadsheet Step 2.xlsmEmployee attendance tracker 2015 step 3.xlsx

[Glenn Kennedy]

You coud link the cells using this (brings "John" back from the tracking sheet; drag down. Drag across to return "Doe"). if you enter Fred Bloggs below John Doe in sheet 1, that'll automatically copy over to sheet 2.

=IF('[Tracking Sheet step 1.xlsx]Start Date'!D2="","",'[Tracking Sheet step 1.xlsx]Start Date'!D2)

[dpiatt]

I am sorry I don't understand. It looks like you have it to move in the same workbook. I need to link 3 different workbooks.

[Glenn Kennedy]

Paste that formula into the appropriate cells in the second and third workbooks.

[dpiatt]

Hello,
When I paste the formula it returns the first name in the column where the start date should be. I am sorry for not being able to get this.

[Glenn Kennedy]

Ok. Let's try a different approach. This sort of thing is always made a bit more awkward 'cos I don't know the file path that you're using. Open Step 1 and Step 2.

In Step 2, Data A2, enter: =
Switch to Step 1 sheet and click on Start date E2 and press enter. Don't panic!! Yes you have a column of Johns...
Select Step 2, Data A2, edit the formula by removing the $ before E and 2 of E2. Now you have a column of zeros and 1 john.
Amend the formula, using copy/paste to read: =IF('[Tracking Sheet step 1.xlsx]Start Date'!E2="","",'[Tracking Sheet step 1.xlsx]Start Date'!E2).
You can get the family name simply by dragging the formula across 1. To get the start data and state, copy the fromula intot he appropriate columns and amend the column references appropriately.

Done.