How to Create a Relationship With a New Boss

Good communication with a new boss improves productivity.

New bosses arrive on the scene with their own unique personalities, work habits, and set of employee expectations. While no one is 100 percent guaranteed to mesh well with their new boss's personality, a few practices can help you build a solid working relationship with virtually any supervisor. The way to create a relationship with your new boss is to get on board with her vision, and set measurable achievement goals that will let your boss know you can be trusted to carry your weight on the job.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen
• Day-Timer

Instructions

Create a Relationship With Your Boss

1. Make an appointment with your new boss during her first week as supervisor. Welcome her to the company and voice your confidence in her leadership abilities. Ask her to outline her specific expectations as they relate to employee performance. Write these expectations down on a notepad, and keep them in a place where you can easily access them for later reference.

2. Ask your new boss to outline a few of the goals he hopes to achieve in the next year. Voice your desire to help ensure that those goals get met. Create a list of projects you can take on to help him achieve his goals, making sure that each project outlines definitive achievement goals that can be completed by a set deadline.

3. Schedule performance check-ins with your boss over the next year. Make sure that you write each appointment into both of your Day-Timers, so you are on the same page. Set personal achievement deadlines, so that you are sure to have each project completed on time. Tell your boss that you are glad to be working as a team.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask questions if you are unclear about any of your boss's expectations or achievement goals. It is important to be on the same page, and it is worth the time and energy it takes to establish a mutual understanding.

• Do not attempt to manipulate your boss or win favor via syrupy compliments. A solid working relationship with a boss is built on hard evidence that you can get your job done right. If your boss feels manipulated, he is likely to get defensive and shut down beneficial communication.

References

• FNC iMag: Build A Good Relationship with Your Boss; Brooke Eaton
• Slide Share: Manage Relationship With Your Boss
• Career-Success-For-Newbies: Setting Performance Goals for Newbies Pursuing Career Success

Resources

• Harvard Business School: Working Knowledge: Understand What Motivates Your Boss