New expectations
The first few weeks of a new job are always difficult. Even seasoned professionals say that starting a new job is a tough task. Professionals must realise that the job will never be exactly as they expected, but if you anticipate the challenges ahead, your transition into the new organisation can be much smoother. A new job means new relationships, new ways of doing things and new expectations.
Let go of your past boss
Not only has your workplace changed but so has your boss. Most professionals will face this challenge at some stage in their careers; this can be a career enhancer or a career killer. Some will talk of the situation as being the hardest part about starting a new job, and some will feel it to be the easiest. In order to ensure that your new role starts well, it’s important that you let go of your old boss. You may have worked fantastically together and loved the way they worked, but your new boss has new priorities, a new focus and almost certainly new ways of doing things.
Identify preferred communication style
It’s important to figure out your boss’s communication style, find out how they like to work and how they like things done. For example, does the new boss like one-on-one meetings or team meetings? Are they interested in details or do they prefer an overview? Finding out these things early on can avoid you making missteps. Be proactive and initiate a meeting with your new boss to discuss how they like to work and adapt. This will help you get an understanding of what is expected of you and help set clear expectations.
Empathise with your new boss
Working under a new boss can be challenging, but the experience should be embraced. Learn everything you can and and try to empathise with the boss’ situation. This will ease the transition for you both. Ultimately it’s just as important for you to manage your new boss as it is for them to manage you. And remember it’s up to the both of you to make the relationship work.