Dealing with a new boss

Image by laverrue via Flickr

Getting a new boss can be almost as daunting as getting a new job. Depending on how you felt about your old boss you may or may not welcome change, but change, as always, means uncertainty… and that’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve got a new boss starting at work, it always pays to approach the transition professionally, and to manage your relationship with them effectively right from the start.

Apart from yourself, your immediate superior is the person who has the biggest direct impact on your career. It’s your boss who sets the benchmarks against which your work will be measured, your boss who assesses your performance, your boss who communicates your achievements (or otherwise) to others, and your boss who controls the resources you need to do your job effectively. Keeping him or her on-side from the start is generally a good idea. But how do you manage a new boss?

• Expect and accept change: your incoming boss will almost certainly do things differently to your old one, accept that things are going to change, be proactive. Remember that no matter what sort of relationship you had with your old boss, you’re starting with a clean slate now, and that’s often a good thing. By managing the transition carefully you can help yourself, your new boss and your entire team to get back into the swing of things quickly.
• First impressions are crucial: that clean slate won’t stay clean for long… so you want to make sure you make a positive first impression. One of the best ways to do that is to make it as easy for your new boss to fit into their new role… remember, while you’re getting a new boss, they’re often starting a brand new job. They’re new, and you know the ropes, so help them to settle in by offering useful pointers and constructive advice where appropriate. Remember to offer suggestions, rather than instruction.

• Know what they value: before your new boss arrives, if possible, find out a bit about them. Do a bit of research and find out what their priorities are likely to be. Look for areas where those priorities overlap with your own. Pursuing some quick win projects that help you both towards your goals is a sure way to ensure your new boss comes to value your contribution to the team early in their tenure. This not only demonstrates that you’re an effective and competent team member, but perhaps more importantly, it shows that you’re in tune with what your boss needs to deliver.
• Communication is key: it’s a good idea to make a point of talking to your new boss regularly. You can do this when you bump into them casually around the office, or by scheduling more formal meetings to discuss specific topics. Use these conversations to find out exactly what he or she expects from you and your team in the short, medium and long term. Get them to outline clear goals, and if they’re expectations are unrealistic given the resources you have available, then flag it early, and tell them what you’ll actually need to get the job done.

Adjusting to the arrival of a new boss can be difficult, but by taking a pro-active, professional approach; by consistently delivering on your promises; and by making constructive, helpful contributions right from the start you can build a solid foundation that will develop into a rewarding, productive and mutually beneficial working relationship.

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