New boss, same as the old boss? Doesn't have to be that way

The Boss

Jena Daniels — If you have a difficult relationship with your boss, you're definitely not alone. A study by the University of Florida states that 40 percent of workers think they report to bad bosses. There are, however, ways to get along at work, including how to relate to the boss who may be good or bad.

 Workers cite managers and supervisors who fail to keep promises or give them the credit they deserve, invade their privacy, give negative feedback, and even blame employees for their personal mistakes. But what happens when the bad boss gets replaced? When a new boss takes over, it's important to make sure you don't continue the same negative relationship and outlook your old boss may have inspired. Can a new manager help you turn over a new leaf at work? Here are some tips for making the right first impression on the person who can make your career much less stressful.

1. Remember Respect

If your company hired the new boss from the outside, you might feel like your experience with the business makes it harder to defer to their authority. Even worse, there might be resentment among you and your colleagues who applied for or just desired the position. It's important to remember that your boss was hired because they are capable of doing the job, and that the burden is on you to impress them, not the other way around. Your old boss might have done things that earned your disrespect, but the new boss hasn't, so showing up ready to work and letting them know you'll follow their lead is crucial.

2. Get to Know Them (But Don't Overdo it)

The Business School at New York University says it takes less than 30 seconds to make a first impression, so a smile and a handshake should be the first thing you deliver when your new boss walks through the door. Take initiative in talking to them, be friendly, and find out how they prefer to communicate in the future. Your boss is sure to appreciate your proactive stance in making them feel welcomed, and you will stand out from your colleagues who don't take the time to introduce themselves one-on-one. But don't make yourself into a sycophant, and don't do badmouth the old boss under any circumstances. You might think it helps you bond, but it really just gives the impression that you are shirking your responsibility for past mistakes.

3. Approach Conflict Differently

You might end up finding that there's a lot to dislike about your new boss too, but that doesn't mean you have to handle the situation the same way. Think of all the ways you could have improved when your old boss was around and use those tools to help you be more positive about conflicts with your new boss. The first rule is to keep it to yourself. Don't engage in gossip or complain about your boss to other people in the office because chances are, they will find out eventually. You can also continue to learn about your boss and look for common ground that can help you build trust and a more productive relationship. Remember, it's not at all uncommon to clash with a manager or supervisor, but it's up to you to not let it interfere with your well-being or your success at work.

The average American worker has around 10 different bosses during the course of their career, and statistically, you're not going to get along with all of them. You can't change your boss, but you can change your mindset. Focus on being the best you can be, and it's almost guaranteed that your supervisor will sit up and take notice. And if they don't? At least you've taken charge of your own destiny.

About the Author

Jena Daniels writes articles for Pepperdine University.