5 Questions to ASK your new boss to ensure YOUR SUCCESS!

So… you have a new boss. And a new boss means new management style and new expectations. What used to work for the old boss may not work with the new boss, which can cause some distress and anxiety. But getting a new boss can also be exciting! You can see it as a fresh start to try new ideas and maybe even do that one thing your old boss said no to but your new boss is game to try.

But first things first – before you go ahead and do the new things you’ve always wanted to or cringe because you think it’s going to be difficult to work under someone new, it’s important that you start on a blank slate. And to do this, you need to get personal with the new boss to find out what’s expected of you by asking the right questions. Not only does it show initiative on your side as a team player it is also a great way to be open to things so there is no misunderstanding between you and your new boss. Communication is important, and expectations – on both sides – are best delivered when you have an open and honest discussion to understand each other and what’s to be expected.

Ready to face the new boss with the right questions? Try these ones.

#1 Will there be any changes to my role and what you expect me to achieve?
Getting clarity on what your boss expects from you is a great way to set yourself on the path for success as defined by your new boss. This way, you know exactly to achieve and how you plan to go about it. Success is defined differently by every individual. Knowing what your boss’s definition of it will give you a clear idea on how to achieve that so your boss recognizes your efforts for it.

#2 What do you want me to accomplish immediately?
Perhaps your boss has some ideas already in sight. Knowing what they are will give you more focus and clarity instead of you focusing your attention on something else that your new boss may not deem as necessary. So get a clear focus on what you need to accomplish first in your role and get that done. It’s also a great way to create your first impression as an employee and what you can achieve.

#3 How would you prefer me to report back to you?
Everyone has different working styles. Your previous boss may be open to you just sending an email once a week to keep him updated but your new boss may prefer having an actual meeting with the entire team first thing Monday morning to keep everyone on tab of what’s going on. Find out what that preference is and work towards being prepared for that. At the same time, you can also ask your boss if it is OK to send an email after office hours or if he is ok with WhatsApp messages for quick responses.

#4 What are the three most important things you need from me?
Not just the actual tasks and deadlines that you need to meet but more on expectations from your role. It’s what your boss’s top priority is whether it is for you to help on providing support for a certain team project or maybe to come up with new client leads. It all depends on the direction your boss wants to take the business and knowing this as soon as possible can put you on the right track to success.

#5 Any tips for me on how to succeed?
It’s a general question but one that can really take you places. Word it right though or else you risk sounding like you’re trying to apple polish. Make it a genuine question that you really want to know how to be successful under your new boss’s leadership. Plus the answer you get will tell you a lot about the kind of manager your boss is whether he is one who really looks into the details or someone who appreciates new ideas and creativity.

All the best with the new boss! 🥳

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash