Working with a new boss can be exciting and even though you have the same job role, the energy will be different in your department. Having a new boss resembles starting over, and it’s important to establish a good relationship from the first day forward.
A new boss can conjure up all kinds of emotions along with a good measure of apprehension. When change happens in a department, it’s only natural to start guessing and predicting what will happen next. Be careful not to let the noise of change take you off track instead keep focused on delivering the best results possible.
One of the best ways to deal with a new boss and the uncertainty that goes along with change is to pay close attention to their management style. Watch for non-verbal reactions and develop an understanding of their priorities. It’s human nature to start comparing your new boss’s style with your previous boss, especially if you had a great working relationship. However, you’ll want to give them some time to adjust before your comparisons become too rigid.
Your new manager may have been recruited from outside the company and if so, this is important cue for you. It serves as a sign that you need to proactively meet them and work toward learning what makes them successful. Your track record of past accomplishments with your previous boss may help give you some leverage. But don’t assume you can rest on your laurels.
Reporting to a new boss can be a positive step for you in many ways, one of which it helps you grow and adapt to different personalities. Building a good relationship takes effort and here are some strategies:
Develop a clear understanding
It helps to establish a clear understanding of their expectations. Don’t make the mistake assuming that daily business activities will be the same nor that you new boss understands your work-style.
Accept different management style
Keep an open mind toward different management styles and avoid typecasting managers into the right or wrong category.
Get them time to adjust
Give empathy where it is due and remember there was a time when you were first new to the organization.
Be trustworthy
Show you care by asking good questions and following through on assignments.
New work culture
If your boss came from a different company, give them some time to adjust to a new work culture. They may have a unique way of building a team that’s new to you.
Respect new management decision
Don’t engage in gossip about your new boss; instead show respect and remember your bosses boss more than likely choose them for the role. How you respond to a new member of the management team is a direct reflection on you.
Communication style
Quickly establish the preferred way your boss likes to communicate; email, daily meetings, reports and phone calls.
How do you deal with losing a boss you liked and working with a new one?
