How to Get Along With a New Boss - The Muse

How to Get Along With a New Boss - The MuseHow to Get Along With a New Boss Hi Molly,Ive worked in the same company for about three years (since I graduated from college). Recently, my old boss left, and theres now a new head of the department who Ill be reporting to. I havent changed jobs or reported to someone new since I started working- so this is a new experience for me.Any ideas on how to get off on the right foot with a new boss, especially when I didnt change roles or companies?ThanksEHi E,Thanks for writing It can feel awkward to report to a new boss, especially if youve been reporting to one person for a while. But, this change is also a great time to platzdeckchen yourself up for success at work. Here are two things you should be focusing on to make koranvers the transition is smoothBe Welcoming and HelpfulFirst off, go out of your way to be welcoming. If your boss doesnt hold a formal department introduction or meeting on his first day, its okay to stop by his office, int roduce yourself (including giving him a handshake and sharing your job title), and let him know that youre looking forward to working together. Even if you met him during the interview process, you should still pop in, re-introduce yourself, and welcome him to the team. Keep it short, though- dont monopolize his time and be respectful that he might be overwhelmed.On that note, remember that being the new person on a team, even if youre the boss, isnt easy. So do whatever you can to help him out in those first few days. Being friendly, helping him to find a far-away conference room, and offering to explain the voicemail system are all little ways to help your new manager feel mora comfortable at the company. As an added benefit, being outgoing and helpful in your boss first few days establishes you as a go-to person on the team.Be StrategicNext, within the first week or so, youll want to make sure your boss is clear about your role and goals within the company. Remember that a new bo ss often slightly (or even dramatically) redefines a teams priorities and structure- and if your boss is clear about your strengths and career goals from the get-go, its more likely that youll be positioned for success.Usually, as part of an organizational overhaul or new hire situation, a manager will set up one-on-ones with each member of his new team- but if thats not the case, asking him for time on his calendar to do so is appropriate. When you get the chance to sit down, open with a short (two-minute or less), high-level description of what you do, focusing on the responsibilities that are relevant and impactful.Be sure to subtly mention impressive jobs or projects youve worked on in the past, or anything that youd like to do more of- for example, A part of my current role I really enjoy is developing marketing materials, which is a skill set Ive been building on since my time working on the communications plan for the branch merger.This is also a great time to let him know th at youre excited about growth within the team and company. Share with him where you want to be in three years and ask him for his guidance- try something like, In a few years Id like to have four direct reports and be in charge of PL for two major properties. As we work together, Id love to get your feedback and thoughts on what I should be doing now to get there. Its okay to treat him like a boss-mentor, even if right now hes just a boss. It builds trust and shows that you respect his authority and career history to ask his advice on your own ascent up the ladder.Over time, youll learn more about how best to work with your boss, but these steps will get you off to a great start. Yes, there will definitely be an adjustment period as your boss decides how he wants to structure the team, but remember that this can be a great chance to show him what youve got and recalibrate your position within the company. Take the opportunity to put your best foot forward. Good luckMolly