How to handle a new boss

Written by Jeanne Calitz and published on 19 January 2009

How to handle a new boss During the course of your career, you are bound to land in the situation where your current boss is replaced with a new superior. Whether it is an internal shuffle or a new appointment from outside, chances are that the new boss will take some getting used to. Many employees are very resistant to this type of change, when it is actually a fine opportunity for you to create a great impression and to foster a beneficial working relationship with your new employer. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to best approach the arrival of a new manager. Be smart Try to gather some information about your new boss beforehand. What is his background? What can you find out about past projects he has worked on, and past successes? What can you gather about his management style? Be prepared for change You can bet your boots that the new boss will want to change a few things. A new boss generally means new priorities and new ways of getting the job done. And of course, the boss will want to put his own stamp on the department or the organisation, so you can be sure that there will be some changes. Be prepared for this and keep an open mind with regards to any new developments. Be neutral The arrival of a new manager is bound to ruffle a few feathers. For example, say the previous manager left under less than friendly circumstances. Chances are there will still be some of his cronies around, ready to stir suspicion about the new arrival. Or perhaps there is someone within the firm who was coveting the newly filled position? Whatever the case may be, this is not the time for you to pick sides. Keep your opinions to yourself and do your job as best as you can. Be helpful and courteous This is a fine line to tread – you want to introduce yourself to the new manager, and to impress upon him that you are ready to get cracking. On the other side, you don’t want to come across as too eager, which tends to make people suspicious. Be friendly without laying it on too thick. Be proactive How does he want to communicate with his employees? Does he prefer face to face interaction, or would he rather you e-mail him with questions and feedback? How often does he want you to report back to him? How does he view the role of management? Does he want to be kept informed on every little detail in the office or about every project, or is he more concerned with bigger business imperatives? Is he a stickler for rules, regulations and proper administration – or does he advocate the use of initiative and experimenting? The best way to gather this kind of information is to simply meet with the boss and to ask him outright how he prefers to get the job done. Be an excellent employee When all is said and done, the best way to ensure a positive relationship with your new boss, is to make sure that the quality of your work is above reproach. Don’t fall into the trap of relying on past successes or on the reputation you built up before the new superior arrived. The new boss will be looking at what you are doing, he won’t be studying your past performance reviews in great detail. The key is to prove early on that you are dependable. It is recommended that you focus on quick successes and to keep your superior well informed thereof. Don’t sit around waiting for work to fall in your lap. Take the initiative to get involved when you hear of a new project that is coming up, or volunteer for small tasks that nobody else wants to do. It is also a good idea to keep your boss well-informed about what you are busy with at the moment, and how you are progressing. Furthermore: Be punctual, enthusiastic and on your best behaviour. Be clear An important step in creating an atmosphere of trust between you and your boss, is to meet with him as soon as possible. The goal of this meeting would be to clarify expectations. Ask your new superior to express his expectations of you. What does he want you to focus on? What does he want you to achieve? What is the career path he envisions for you within the firm? Also take the time to explain how you normally do things, the rationale behind that, and what your own expectations of this position are. Sources: Build a great working relationship with your boss – Peter Vogt, www.monster.career-advice.com. Dealing with a new boss – www.askmen.com. Secrets of Success with a new boss – Patricia Wallington, www.cio.com.