Tips for Working with a New Boss

You might be familiar with adjusting to working with a new boss when you start a new position. But what happens when you have the same job with a new boss?

It comes with its fair share of challenges, that's for sure—yet it's in your best interest to be on the same page. Be proactive about establishing a relationship and clarifying expectations with your new manager.

Provide a summary of your work.
If your supervisor is new to the organization, she will likely spend her first few weeks orienting herself to your team and organization. Don't be offended if she doesn't immediately have a clear idea of your role.

You could prepare a brief summary of your work and an update on the projects you've been working on. That way, she can see the value you bring to the team and determine if your responsibilities are properly allocated.

She might also have some new ideas about your methods. Be open to feedback—and ready to explain why you do things a certain way. It may take some time to adjust, so plan for delays in normal processes.

Outline your schedule.
Some organizations have flexible work policies on time spent at the desk. Yet it's a good idea to confirm your schedule with your new boss and understand his. If you're an early riser and prefer to be out of the office by 4 p.m., and your new supervisor prefers to come in—and stay—later, you may be concerned about how your hours are perceived.

Let your new manager know what schedule you've been keeping—but be open to hearing that he might prefer you to keep a schedule similar to his. Think about ways you can work together without sacrificing your most productive hours.

Give it time.
It can be difficult to work with someone you don't connect with—especially if you shared a personal connection with your previous supervisor. If you don't hit it off right away, give it time.

If you find him difficult to work with, however, address it with him directly. If that doesn't work, try speaking with HR about possible solutions.

It's not necessarily a bad thing if you and your boss are two different people. The friction can help generate new ideas and better ways of working.

Overall, listen to feedback and respect the experience your new boss brings to the team.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.