Running? Do I have to?
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Everyone has had a boss (or several) at some point in their working life. Some good, some bad, some ugly. Usually, we stay with the same boss while at a certain job. But what if they quit, resign, or get fired? What if a new position is created completely and you now have someone new to answer to? This can change the dynamic for the good or the bad. Sooner or later everyone has to adjust to a new boss. But honestly guys, most of it is dependent on OUR attitudes and perspective. I wanted to chat with you about the ways that I have discovered most helpful in making the transition as smooth as possible.
Ask Questions
Whether its personal or professional questions…ask away! Get to know your new supervisor. It not only lets them know you care who they are and what they have to say, but you will gain valuable insight into who they are and what they are about. Don’t attack them with a barrage of Who? What? Where? And Why’s? Let them happen organically.
I find questions like, “What are your thoughts on this? How would you like to see this done? Is this how you think it should go?- are great ways to accomplish this. It also lets them know you are willing to accept and implement their opinions and procedures. Keep it professional; Asking them if they have a Tinder profile is not ok.
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Be Humble
Whether it’s a changing of the guards or a brand new position that is now managing you, we have to be honest with ourselves: They are the boss for a reason. They may have more experience. They may have more knowledge. They may present better. They are qualified to be your supervisor. Period. Give them credit where credit is due. My best advice is to remain teachable. If we knew everything, then we would have been made the boss. Am I right, or am I right?
Show, Don’t Tell
You may feel threatened or unappreciated. You may feel the need to make sure they know who you are and what you care about. You may want to point out all the good things you do or any accomplishments you have achieved. Don’t. You’ll just come off as a braggart. Answer questions when asked directly, but don’t shove yourself down their throats. They are reading you much like you are reading them. Let your awesomeness show through your actions and good work. They will believe in seeing your actions versus hearing your words. You Show off.
Be Friendly
Finally, I suggest just being nice. Put yourselves in their shoes for a minute. It’s hard to be the new guy on campus. They may be uncomfortable or shy or uncertain. Making them feel welcome will be a huge advantage. Whether or not they say it, they will appreciate your efforts. When people are uncomfortable in a management position they tend to just bark orders as a sort of protective shield. Letting them know you are a contributing member of the team and glad they are leading it will work wonders. Don’t make a difficult situation any more difficult. In other words, don’t be a jerkwad.
“[They] all made it feel like I was coming home again.”
Dean W. Cahill- Mission Pool and Spa Supplies on coming in as the General Manager Mid-season.
We all have to deal with answering to someone in life. A lot of us have given up and become our own boss. And say it is the best decision ever. For those who successfully work under someone else’s direction, my hat’s off to you.
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