It’s often said “you don’t quit your job, you quit your manager.” Even if you’re happy with your job in every other respect, if your relationship with your boss is suffering or you have an issue with their managerial style, it could have a negative impact on your job satisfaction.
Though it is possible that problems will arise with an existing boss over time, this is a particularly pertinent problem when it comes to adjusting to a new boss; whether it be because you’ve started a new role, or new management have entered your company. Different individuals have different styles, so it may take some transitioning to get settled.
If a new boss has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works, here are a few tips for adjusting to the new management.
1) Get off on a good foot
First impressions can be crucial for your relationship with your new boss, so make sure you get off on the right foot from the very start! In order to make a good impression, make sure that you are always punctual, present yourself smartly and demonstrate your commitment to the job. Try to maintain a positive approach towards your work and an optimistic attitude towards your new bosses potential.
2) Don’t compare them to a previous boss
Whether you were best pals with your previous boss, or you didn’t see eye to eye with them, you should allow your new boss to start on a clean slate, without being compared to somebody else. Treat it as a fresh start, where a new relationship can be forged. Put any previous grievances in the past and equally, don’t put them on a pedestal either.
3) Get to know them and their style
Just because your new boss does things differently to how you’re used to, doesn’t mean that this is a bad thing. Get to know a bit about your manager as a person, as well as their managerial style. This way you can build an idea of their preferences and things that might tick them off, so you know how to behave around them. You can do this by asking them outright or by observing their behaviour and interactions with others.
4) Ask how you can help
Whether your boss is new to the business, or you’re settling into a new role, it’s a good idea to arrange a meeting with your boss in the early days to offer your assistance wherever possible. Managers really appreciate employees who are cooperative and proactive, so try to put the effort in to be helpful and provide them with updates and reports of things going on within the business that they should know.
5) Set targets
Arrange a meeting to sit down with your boss and have a thorough chat about the responsibilities of your role, their expectations of you and to assess what their priorities for the business are. You can then set some achievable behavioural or financial goals and targets for the coming months, that you should strive to deliver on. The earlier you can deliver on your promises, the more your boss will feel they can rely on you and regard you as a valuable asset.
6) Allow some time for the dust to settle
If you don’t click with your boss straight away, don’t write them off immediately. Sometimes it can take a bit of time to get used to eachother’s working style and if they are new to the company, they may still be settling into their new role. Do your best to be helpful and friendly and hopefully things will improve with time.
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