Build a Working Relationship With Your New Boss
Build a working relationship with your new boss. Developing a productive relationship with your boss should be a top priority. Early in your new role, it is important to have discussions with your boss on challenges and opportunities for the position. Think of having multiple conversations with your supervisor around the following: Do you agree on what is the business situation? What goals and measurements will be used to determine success? How will you work together? What resources are needed for you to be successful in the position? Clarify your personal development needs and ways you can meet them in your new position.
In addition to having these multiple conversations, there are several important Do’s and Don’ts of which to mindful. Don’t surprise your boss. Don’t run down a checklist when you meet, but instead have strategic conversations. Constructing business cases for recommendations is always valuable. Don’t approach your boss only with problems. Aim for early wins that are important to your boss. Get on your boss’s calendar regularly.
Ask these questions: What methods will you employ to develop your relationship with your boss? What are the best ways to communicate your needs for support? How effectively have you built relationships with new bosses in the past? What have you done well? What strategic conversations will you need to have with your boss and when?