Getting a new boss

There are few things that generate as much anxiety in the workplace as the introduction of a new boss. Some people fear widespread changes whilst others welcome it like a breath of fresh air.

A new manager can be the catalyst that reignites your career and provide you with the opportunity to make an impression, prove your worth to the company and potentially alter the course of your career.

So, if you want to get on the good side of a new boss, take the initiative and stand out from your colleagues.

Create your second first impression
Psychologists have deliberated for years the question of how quickly the human mind makes a first impression of something or someone. Some argue that it takes two minutes whereas others suggest it takes as little as two seconds. Whoever you believe, the point is that first impressions are important.

Getting a new boss means that you have a new opportunity to set a positive first impression. Whether you got on well with your old boss or not, that person has now gone and it’s up to you to establish a rapport with a new boss.

Dressing successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break a good first impression.
Shakespeare once said: “Apparel oft proclaims the man”. Your image is the outer reflection of your inner-self allowing people to judge and make assumptions of your personality and attitudes.

Don’t choose sides
Quite often when an external hire has been made, there will be someone in the office who feels that they should have been promoted to the role instead. Sometimes they will react negatively and resort to doing the bare minimum of work or bide their time to wait for the ‘new guy’ to trip up.

New bosses inevitably want to put their brand and distinctly different work styles on the department. Not everyone survives the change. But, don’t get sucked into backbiting about the new boss simply because a colleague is aggrieved at having missed out on the promotion – you don’t want to get off on the wrong foot do you?

Adopt a neutral stance on the matter. Be prepared to help your new boss if required but don’t appear over-eager.

Show enthusiasm
It will probably be a few weeks for your new boss to become acclimatised to their new working environment but, before you rush by their office and offer your services to carry out tasks that will make their life much easier - stop and wait.

In the first few weeks, your boss will become plagued with people offering to do this and that for them, possibly to their annoyance. If you come across as being too eager you could become nothing more than an irritant to your boss and even risk alienating yourself from your fellow colleagues

Volunteer for the small tasks
Let your boss know who you are and what you do. But, be mindful that volunteering for a big task may arouse the suspicion of your boss and colleagues, after all no-one wants to be seen as the office brown-nose.

Don’t be afraid to expand your current role and take on extra responsibility. Rather, opt to do the everyday tasks that nobody else wants or offer to assist with such as explaining how to operate the finicky photocopier that needs a jab and a push to work.

Don’t be a know-it-all
When a new manager enters the office, they will want to make quick but helpful changes to the workplace. They will often set aside time for private meetings with each member of their staff so that the can gauge an understanding of what their employees like or dislike and how the department can be changed for the better.

Use this as an opportunity for you to act as a key resource to help them understand how the business operates. Of course, you want to be seen as a valuable asset but, be mindful not to pretend that you are an expert on things when you are not.

And, be honest and admit if you don’t have the answer being asked of you and say “I will find out for you” or “I suggest that you ask so and so” – you will earn their respect as someone who isn’t simply a ‘yes man’.