Recently, we started a series to support you and your team, with the challenges you may be facing, in the aftermath of a layoff.
Two weeks ago, we talked about the importance of showing up and creating a culture where people feel supported. Last week, we provided you some of our suggestions to engage your team, if you’ve been newly promoted.
Today, we’re sharing our thoughts on how to build a relationship if you have a new boss.
The uncertainty of working at a company in the midst of layoffs can be unsettling, and add to that a new boss . . . you may find yourself unsure how to navigate your new work world.
As we mentioned in our post last week, we believe that leadership is a way of being in the world—regardless of role or title.
We define leadership like this,
Leadership is the willingness to influence your world
and the willingness to be influenced by your world,
regardless of role or title.
Taking the time to get a sense of who your new boss is, as well as sharing a bit about yourself, will help you as you’re developing this new relationship.
Even if this is someone you’ve known for years, when they’re now your boss, it’s a new relationship and requires new ways of working together.
As you prepare for your conversations, remember to influence them and be influenced by them.
You can do this by asking some questions that are similar to last week’s post, AND by sharing similar insights about yourself.
- What are the big rocks you’ll be focusing on in the first 60-90 days?
- What information can I share with you to support you in your new role?
- What brought you to this organization/department?
- What’s the best way to communicate with you when things are going well? How about when things aren’t going well?
- How do you like to receive feedback?
- What motivates you in your work? Demotivates you?
- What’s your vision for success?
- What do you need from me to be successful?
- What do you need from the team to be successful?
When you’re in the position of working with a new boss or a new colleague, stay open to influencing them and being influenced by them (again and again!).
When you seek to influence and be influenced by, you’ll increase the likelihood of creating strong and successful working relationships.
Let us know how it goes!
If you’d like support
building a successful relationship,
with your boss
contact us today.
