5 Ways to Ace the First Impression With Your New Boss
No matter how much you love your job, the working world can be stressful. And of all the regular stressors — heavy workloads, scary meetings, competition — none is so unique as getting a new boss. Your supervisor affects your everyday projects, work friendships, and even opportunities, which is why having a great relationship with them is well worth it. Brie Reynolds, senior career specialist at FlexJobs, has some advice for making a first impression worthy of your #Boss status.
1. Make adjustments. “Getting a new supervisor can be nerve-racking but also a great time to make some adjustments to how you’re working,” Reynolds says. There are few times in the professional world that allow you to truly step back and evaluate the way that you work, and getting a new boss is one of them. If you critically think about your work style before getting a new supervisor, you’ll be that much more adaptable to theirs.
2. Establish solid communication. “Ask them how they prefer to communicate and how often they’d like hear from you,” Reynolds says. “Whether you work in an office or remotely, these communication norms will help you establish a strong working relationship from the get-go.” Today’s workspaces often allow for varied forms of communication; from text to email to in-person conversations, learning about her preferences could save you headaches down the road.
3. Do some homework first. If you’re feeling especially nervous about meeting your new boss, consider gathering some background information about them. A simple LinkedIn search could do the trick: After finding out some career and personal information, you’ll be prepared to capitalize on your similarities.
4. Get a sense of their personality. Your personality informs the way you work, and your boss is no different. If they’re more introverted, for example, they might prefer very succinct meetings that get to the point. If she’s an early bird, she might appreciate having a report on her desk first thing in the morning.
5. Gain respect. While personality fit is an important component of the boss/employee relationship, it’s worth focusing on gaining your boss’ respect. A great way to do this is by setting expectations from the get-go: if your supervisor knows what you do and how much to expect from you, they’ll be that much more likely to appreciate your hard work.
Hey, #Girlbosses! What advice do you have for getting a new supervisor? Let us know @BritandCo.
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