A new boss can enter your life in many ways, and all of them can be equally unsettling. Perhaps your old boss got fired to make way for fresh blood. Maybe your agency merges with another, and a new account director or manager is put in charge. Maybe your favorite boss quits and gets replaced by someone very, very different. Whatever the case may be, here are some tips that can help you through the awkward transitional phase.
Observe
Before diving in and making any assumptions, you should observe your new boss’ behavior first. Does your boss like to sit at their desk in the morning with a cup of coffee for a good half hour before talking to anyone in the morning? Do they tell you when you’ve done a less-than-satisfactory job, or do you need to go seek out their feedback? Keep an eye out for your new boss’ personal quirks and preferences so that you’ve got a better idea of how to make both your lives more productive, efficient and easier.
Ask Questions
While a little quiet observation goes a long way, in many cases, you need to voice any questions you have. If you are confused about what your new boss prefers, just ask. The more questions you get out of the way in the beginning of your working relationship, the smoother things will go in the long run.
Understand the Pressure
You have to understand that they’re playing a new role, in a new company, surrounded by new people, with systems that are new and different to them. Not only do they have to prove that they are the right person for the job but they also have to make sure that they shine in their own role, and make sure that everyone on their team shines too. So, give them a break and be patient.
Give Chances
You and your boss have the same goal in mind and that is to make the business succeed. If things are not going well in the beginning, it will take some time for things to settle down till both of you get used to the new changes. Just make sure to give your new boss enough time and space to do their thing before judging.
Be Flexible with Change
Your ex-boss might have liked you to submit work in a certain way, or present ideas with more visuals instead of words. Your new boss, however, will almost certainly have a different style and approach. Saying “this is how it is and this is how it’s done” will not work in your favor. Be flexible with change. As long as you get your work done well, you should fit into the new style of working.
