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How Do I Handle a New Boss?

Q:   Dear Seymour, I have a new boss; how do we start off on the right foot?

- Submitted by Jackie Merrier, Asheville, North Carolina

A: Dear Jackie,

New beginnings can be very exciting, but they can also cause some anxiety. It's good that you're looking ahead and already thinking about how to begin in the best way possible. Here are some tips to help you start out right.

Give your boss a chance. Remember to keep an open mind when you meet your new boss and when you start to work with him or her. You might get along right away, but if you don't, try to be patient and focus on the positive.

Remember that everyone loves encouragement (even your boss). Your boss might feel just as strange about the transition as you do, and a kind word can go a long way. After you have worked with your boss for a few weeks, it's a good idea to give them a hand-written note and perhaps a small token to say that you've enjoyed getting to know them and working for them. You can even point out a particular situation that you thought they handled well or something they did that you appreciated.

Forget the past, move to the future. New ways of doing things are usually difficult to adjust to, and it might be easy for you to look back to the way your former boss did business. However, it's important to keep an open mind. You might be surprised at what you'll learn.

Be constructive, not critical. If there are things your old boss used to do that you just can't let go of, you could schedule a meeting to politely suggest the positive aspects of how certain things used to be done. Remember to be constructive, not critical.

Focus on doing a great job no matter who you work for. No matter who your supervisor is, make sure you always do your best. Having the right attitude and knowing you are doing a great job is its own reward, and even if you and your new boss don't see eye to eye on everything, great work rarely goes unnoticed.

Remember that the boss is the boss. Even if you don't love everything about your boss, it's important to remember to always be professional and respectful. They are in a position of authority, and they also do your performance reviews. Being disrespectful could ruin your career.

I'm sure you and your new supervisor will get started on the right foot. Just remember to keep an open mind!

Seymour