Alright, so you’ve scored yourself a new boss and you’re thinking, “How do I get to know this person better?” You will be spending a lot of time with this person after all. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
After you have become acquainted with your job, your attention should focus on the cultural aspects of the organization. This start with your manager. Typically they set the tone for their unit or department. It is essential to get to know their expectations, how they like to communicate, and what they see as your role in the team. Don’t be shy – your questions show that you’re proactive and eager to learn.
First and foremost you need to understand their goals. If you know what your boss is aiming for, it’ll give you a better idea of how your role fits into the bigger picture. It’ll guide your work and give you a sense of direction. If you boss has no goals, you are certainly in for a treat.
One thing I’ve found super helpful is setting up regular meetings. It’s a great way to check-in, discuss your work, and get to know each other better. Plus, it shows your new boss that you’re keen on keeping those communication lines open. Initially, these can be weekly and taper off to monthly, depending on your need for connectivity.
In between formal meetings check in, you should keep your boss in the loop with regular updates. They’ll appreciate you making the effort to keep them informed, and it’s another great way to show your reliability. Only give updates on substantive elements of the work, not minute details. Getting to your boss will help you understand what their preferences are.
Periodically ask for feedback. Yes, it can be tough to hear sometimes, but it’s super valuable for your growth. Plus, it shows you’re willing to learn and improve.
Lastly, be respectful of their time. We all know bosses can be incredibly busy. So, when you’ve got their attention, be on point and prepared. They’ll definitely appreciate it. Prepare you notes or top point ahead of time so you are not blanking out and end up down a rabbit hole.
Now, it might feel a bit awkward at first, but try starting some deeper level conversations. This is where relationships really begin to form. It doesn’t have to be all about work. Ask them about their weekend plans or their favorite coffee shop. Casual chats can build a solid rapport. You may have a resource that help to eliminate the issue they are facing.
Building a solid rapport with your boss is ultimately about paying attention to your boss’s actions and words. If you perceive them to be distant and cold, try to engage them and test the behavior change. If there is no shift, then You’ll learn a lot about their values, what they prioritize, and how they lead. Keep those eyes and ears open!
Good Questions to Ask your New Boss
Getting to know your new boss isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a process. But trust me, it’s worth it. Building a good relationship based on understanding and respect will make your work life so much smoother. Asking your new boss thoughtful questions can help you understand expectations, clarify your role, and establish a strong working relationship.
Here are 10 questions you might consider:
- What are the top priorities for my role in the next six months? This question can help you understand what is expected of you and which tasks or projects you should focus on first.
- How do you prefer to communicate – via email, phone, or in-person meetings? – By asking this, you show your boss that you respect their time and preferences.
- What does success look like in this position? – This question helps you understand how your performance will be measured and what you need to aim for.
- What are some challenges I might face in this role? – Knowing potential issues beforehand helps you prepare for them.
- How can I best support you and the team?– This shows your willingness to contribute to team success and establish good relationships with your colleagues.
- What opportunities for professional development exist? – This indicates your ambition and desire to grow within the company.
- What is your leadership style? – Understanding your boss’s management approach can help you work more effectively with them.
- How does the team typically collaborate on projects? – This gives you an idea of team dynamics and how you can fit in.
- What are the company’s long-term goals and how does our team contribute to them? – This demonstrates your interest in the big picture and helps you understand how your role fits into the company’s objectives.
- Can you tell me about the culture here? – This helps you understand the work environment and align your behavior with company norms.
The Ball Is in Your Court!
Building a good rapport with a new boss involves understanding their expectations and communication style. Set regular meetings to discuss work progress, and don’t shy away from seeking feedback. Be mindful of their time, and initiate casual, non-work related conversations to establish a deeper connection. Use well thought out questions to gain insights into your role, their leadership style, the team dynamics, and the company’s goals. This process, though ongoing, will smoothen your work life and enhance team collaboration.
