Change of Managers

Last July we had an Org change in my company. I was less than 7 months old in the company. I was surprised, more shocked at the number of changes that happened. I am used to Re-Org in my previous company, when the management changes, there will be some changes including my manager changing. I had been with a manager for 4 months to 8 yrs. Hence this shook me off!

My way of consoling /reassuring myself is to draw a bigger line / bigger problem next to it. In early 2000, when we landed in this country, I was relocated by my company, from state to state with my family on new assignments. Compared to that this is nothing.

I believe “Every change is for good". If things are not under our control, I accept them without any reasoning/logic. But this one. I believe this will happen every Fiscal year here, hence wanted to think out a little and be prepared. When your manager frequently changes at work it is not easy/challenging but we can handle it tactfully. I like to share some of my tips.

1.  Schedule an Intro/ Interview.

a. Block the calendar with the new manager. Consider this first conversation with your new manager as a job interview.

b. You need to share all the highlights of your current job – speak about your accomplishments. Share your rhythm of work, your strength, and your goals.

c. Either the earlier manager left the role voluntarily or involuntarily – we may not know, hence handle it with care.

d. The new manager is there to implement a change as per the leadership directions and support him/her in all the ways possible.

e. In case he/she is new to the Company /Dept - help with the orientation/onboarding formalities as needed.

2.  Discover the new priorities.

a. As mentioned earlier, the earlier manager left either voluntarily or involuntarily, to do a little detective work. Find out why the new boss was appointed.

b. It could be some failure with your previous manager or the company’s directions have changed - ‘shift in the mission’

c. Probe with your network at work - be informed of, educate, and engage yourself accordingly.

d. If needed, if you are comfortable - you can talk to your skip-level boss. Your new manager’s manager. 😊 Get the details top down the right way! I did not do it...

3.  Modify and Adjust / Do not dwell in the past.

a. Adjusting is always tough

b. Do NOT praise the previous regime. Just do not relive the past – it will cause a lack of commitment to the new manager.

c. Study your new manager - work style/mode of communication (IM/mail/text/call) / how detailed he/she is looking in any status updates.

d. We need to adapt and change as quickly as possible.

e. Invest and maintain the relationship – having a good relationship with your boss makes your workday more enjoyable.

f. After a month schedule a call with the new manager – ask for feedback - just 15 mins. 3 questions like the Traffic light

                i)What you should STOP doing 

                ii)What needs to be improvised 

                iii)What you should continue doing (Hearing this, motivates you to do better)

4.  Focus on Learning /Understanding the dynamics

a. Do not rely on your boss for all your development needs. Talk to your mentors /well-wishers, If you want to seek guidance.

b. Try to learn from your new manager – he/she could be a sales whiz, technically sound, or with creative hobbies and ideas.

c. It is a Novel experience, check this new perspective. See the work with a new pair of eyes - take advantage of it.

5.  Check your attitude and Deliver

a. You may or may not like your new boss – but do not dwell on negativity. 

b. This will be reflected in your work.

c. We cannot control this kind of situation. But go with the flow – be a helping contributor.

d. Maintain a healthy relationship in a good way - you may not know what other prospective doors it will open.

e. Never bad mouth both the current and your previous manager.

f. You are expected to deliver the task assigned. Put in whatever time /effort it takes – get it done!

Quick Recap - We all know ‘Changes are inevitable - without which we cannot grow or retain sustainability.

  

#	Don’ts	Do’s
1	Praise the previous regime.	Your first meeting – should be like a job interview
2	Live in the Past - lead to Negativity/annoyance only.	Investigate why the old manager left and why this new boss
3	Bad mouth your current /old manager	Assess, Adapt, and accomplish
4		Focus your energy on improvising the situation
5		See what you could learn from the new manager

With all these learnings, I am having a good and cordial relationship with my manager now and leaning in, learning, and leading, the work assigned to me and at the same time having fun!

                                                                    Good Luck!