Imagine your department has had two bosses in just a few months. Now, you’re facing a third new manager. After all the changes, you and your coworkers are confused about what is expected of you, and the rumors of yet another new boss have everyone relieved but anxious.
Knowing how to handle management changes is becoming an important step in career development.
Here are some ways to adjust to a new boss:
– Be open & flexiable to requests
– Ask questions about the manager’s goals. What do they hope
to accomplish in the next three months?
– Discuss style of management.
– Do they like written status reports at a certain time?
– How do they prefer to communicate: e-mail, phone or meeting?
– Ask questions and be an active listener.
– Give them time to adjust to their new working environment.
– Avoid using comparisons with previous management.
– Do they have an open door policy, or do they like scheduled meetings?
– What will they perceive as success over the next six months?
Most important, new bosses, like everyone else, appreciate those who are interested in helping them succeed. Make the time to build a good working relationship with a new boss.
