Managing up when your boss is new
- Priya Venkatesan
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
This is the "n"th time your boss changed. You are tired of frequent changes. You believe you have to start all over again.
Sounds familiar?
With uncertainty looming in the workplace, some organisations are undergoing such a rapid restructuring that the number of times someone's manager changes norms to 2-3 a year.
Considering this frequency, one cannot leave "managing up" to time. There is no time really.
So one has to be agile and prepared for a new boss however frustrating the change appears to be.
There are some advantages in starting with a new boss with intention:
You get a clean canvas to consciously build your trust & reputation once again.
The new start gives you opportunity to build trust with awareness.
It gives you the leeway of time as the clock is reset.
What are the few things that could help you start with the right foot forward?
Listen
Every leader starts with the best of intentions to create something valuable for themselves and their organisation.
Listen to
the leader's best ideas.
their perceived risk.
perspective
insecurities
what they value most
what success means to them.
their motivation.
non-negotiables.
Values.
Beliefs.
Style
This would give you an idea of who is the person who has become your leader. This will help you work better and communicate better.
Stop the guess game
Self-disclose information relevant to them about you in one-o-ones, check-ins and other contexts.
Do not make them guess your capabilities, strengths, beliefs - they may get it all wrong.
Bring them up to speed on the "as-is".
Become a trusted advisor on matters that are important that they do not have a history of.
Devise some ground level collaboration strategies that would work for both of you.
Show your intention to work well with them.
Find common ground on how to voice disagreements.
Know where the buck stops for what.
Co-create the relationship
A relationship built with intention and cemented with trust lasts longer.
Take time to co-create the relationship.
Understand the person behind the "boss".
Identify mutual success goals.
Work out the transactions on how you work with each other.
Co-create your Measures of Success.
Have each other's back.
Reflections for you as you start with a new boss
What's your best intention for this relationship?
How do you communicate this intention?
What behaviours help you show-up aligned to the intention and communication?
How to script a win-win?
How to inspire trust?
What strategy works for you when you have a new boss?
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