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Oct 19, 2009

The New Boss


How many times have you wished your boss would just disappear? Perhaps go on a long vacation or get lost on the way to work never to be seen again? We have all been there a time or two. So what happens when your wish comes true and there is a new person that you have to report to? Supervisors usually have the ability to make or break your career and getting off on the right foot with a new boss is crucial. Making a good impression is much more than bringing an apple to work with you or ensuring that the boss has extra croutons in her salad. Here are a few tips to help with the transition of dealing with a new supervisor.

Patience
You were once the new person on the job also. Remember it took a while for you to become acclimated to your position as well as get a feel for your place within the company, and the same can be said for your supervisor.

Keep An Open Mind
Flexibility is necessary when dealing with new coworkers and a new boss. He or she may be used to running an office differently than what you are used to. Try not to write them off too quickly if ideas begin to conflict. Be open to change.

Establish Expectations
Sit down and talk to your boss about what they expect of you. Make sure that there are no misunderstandings in regards to your job functions.

Be Supportive
Remember that your supervisor’s success is your success. Offer your insight when it comes to certain areas where you excel. Be your supervisor’s go-to-person.

Break Down Your Defenses
Do not get into a power struggle with you new boss. Not all constructive criticism is constructive; it can sometimes be misconstrued as destructive.

Dealing with a new boss is just like any new relationship, trust and honesty is critical to building a healthy new working relationship. You must realize that the way things worked in the past will not always work going forward and change is very necessary. Learning to roll with the punches will aid in helping this new transition run smoothly.

The Gurus at OrHardlyWorking would like to hear your stories. Please share any tips or stories in the comment section, or send an email to: orhardlyworking@gmail.com

5 comments:

Sailor Moon said...

Well in my dept my old supervisor moved with her husband back up north and they hired a guy that used to be a temp here before I started working here. He's cool and all but not very good at his job. I really don't think he is qualified for the position but I still try and help him out with certain things b/c our dept head is very demanding. My supervisor spends a lot of his time playing scrabble online.

Sailor Moon said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

the thing is, cross your fingers and hope your new bossis a good, fair supervisor. If not, you'll be looking for a new gig, STAT!

LibraGurl said...

When my current boss came, it was a sticky situation. The former boss was demoted from comptroller to IT geek. The new comptroller is very cool... he's made such a comfy work environment and it's a joy to work for him.

~NikCee

Unknown said...

Lucky you LibraGurl