Crash course for dealing with a new boss.(Insight, Analysis & Advice)

(CIO Magazine Article, CIO Australia Magazine Article, Harvard Business School Article, CareerJournal.com Article, Supply Chain Planet Article)

Your boss has moved on to greener pastures. How to you make the transition to a new boss as smooth as possible? Learn here how to navigate the shark-infested waters of leadership change.

Action Plan

A poor relationship with your boss can result in job dissatisfaction and can hamper your career. Make sure that you react accordingly when your old boss leaves and a new boss arrives on the scene. Do the following:

1. Avoid detrimental emotions and responses. It is okay to briefly mourn the departure of your previous boss, but don't let it hold you back. Place your prospective success ahead of your pride in past accomplishments. Understand that the change is forward facing, and not meant to be critical of the past. Be patient while your new boss asks a lot of questions and, as a result, slows down normal procedures and meetings. Keep critical comments to yourself and avoid being defensive.

2. Set aside your disappointment. If you were gunning for the position yourself, make sure that you do your best to mask your disappointment. Show your maturity and deal with it gracefully. Focus instead on analyzing why the new boss was chosen over you. Figure out what you need to do to improve your chances in the event of another opportunity. Consider leaving the job if you are unable to overcome your disappointment. If you stay, you may risk becoming toxic to other employees and possibly burn bridges.

3. Anticipate change. There is almost always a new set of priorities and expectations that accompany the arrival of a new boss; don't expect that things will stay the same as they were before. Don't be defensive--be open to change. Ask questions and try to uncover the reason(s) for the change. This will help you construct a strategy for future success.