Getting a new boss can be nerve-racking. Most of us have gone through a phase where our superior has to move on to another department or decides to leave the company entirely. The Coronavirus pandemic makes this situation even more relatable as there are many changes happening within different organisations across the globe. One thing remains constant – getting a new boss means starting afresh to establish a relationship you probably already had with your previous boss.
It’s important to establish a relationship with your new boss as quickly as possible because not doing that could have consequences for your career. If you don’t establish a relationship with your new boss early on, they might not know your value and what you bring to the table. This could lead them to make decisions that don’t reflect the value you bring to the company.
So, the question is, how do you get to know your new boss and create a rapport without seeming like you’re trying to curry favour? Connecting with a new boss can be easier than you think; it just requires you to be a bit more proactive. Here are some tips you could implement to get started on a good foot with your new boss.
- Speak up in meetings
It’s not the time to be passive – it’s time to be an active participant in the team. Being quiet in meetings is a red flag to a boss who is on the lookout for those who would help the team achieve its goals and would remain on the team, and those who seem like weak links.
- Look for common ground
Before the boss resumes, do some research. Find out what their interests are, what projects they’ve worked on and if you know people they have worked with previously, reach out to them. You could also look through their social media platforms such as LinkedIn and the like for common interests. Finding a common ground on things like family, or extracurricular activities could be a great way to break the ice.
- Earn their trust
Just like with any other relationship, trust is an important factor in making things work. Since your boss is new to the company, they obviously need someone they can trust to deliver on their job with minimal supervision, as this would make their transition to the new place easier on them. Being able to take ownership of your job and deliver on projects will relieve your boss of some of the stress and enable them to develop confidence in you as a valuable team member.
- Listen to your new boss’s priorities
Every relationship needs communication to survive. Communication is a two-way street, so listening is just as important as talking. In meetings with your new boss, listen to what they want to achieve, their goals for the team and the company. When you listen, it’s easier for you to find ways you can be of help and support them.
- Offer genuine friendship
The best way to build a strong relationship with your boss is to become your boss’ friend. That relationship would yield better value than the ones you would get through mere transactional connection. Don’t fake it; try to be genuinely interested in things they are interested in.
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