How to Handle Your New Boss

The recent state of the economy has left the finance industry shaken up, which means corporate structures and hierarchies are more upside down than ever. Personnel trees and triangles are crossed, and many finance workers are finding themselves under brand new bosses. Since the dynamic between a boss and an employee can define the job, what’s the best way to manage your boss?

Because reorganization usually reaches beyond the managerial level, prepare to be evaluated. While it’s frustrating to feel that you have to prove yourself all over again, try to think of the circumstance as an opportunity rather than a setback.

First, try to understand your new boss’s situation. Are they under pressure to land certain accounts? Were they brought on board to produce big results in a certain arena? Whatever your boss’s goals are, make them part of your own. You want to be seen as a team player as soon as possible, and the best way to do that is to help your boss achieve his or her objectives. If you can make a big win early on, the results could pay off for you in the long term.

Your boss’s goals will define how your own success will be measured. However, as you try to make your work align with theirs, don’t show dependent behavior. Bosses don’t want to be babysitters, and the more independent you are, the better their opinion of you will be. Your boss will expect you to find success on your own, so don’t do anything that will make them view you as needy.

Finally, learn to toughen up. While most organizations have personnel and management training, everyone knows that the biggest performers tend to get away with more. The reality is that bad behaviors are often overlooked when it comes to someone who brings in the biggest bucks. While you have a right to avoid working under anyone toxic, be prepared to have thick skin. It will save you a lot of energy in the long run.

Having a new boss isn’t the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to redefine your reputation and possibly even move ahead as you build new relationships and find new allies. Work hard, maintain a good attitude, and the transition is likely to be smooth.