Your new boss.

In his book The First 90 Days, Michael Watkins offers good advice on working with a new boss:

Don’t trash the past – don’t  criticize past employees’ performance or work

Don’t stay away – don’t avoid the boss, even if they don’t at first reach out to you

Don’t surprise your boss – inform them early on about problem areas you identify

Don’t approach your boss with only problems – you need to always bring a solution also

Don’t run down your checklist – don’t give them information overload

Don’t try to change your boss

Take 100% responsibility for making the relationship work

Clarify mutual expectations of your boss, early and often

Negotiate timelines for diagnosis and action planning

Aim for early wins in areas important to your boss

He also talks about five conversations you need to have with your new boss in the first 90 days:

1. Situational diagnosis – talk to them about their perception and evaluation of the organization
2. Expectations – how do they define success for you? What do they want from you? How will you be evaluated?
3. Style – what’s the best way to communicate and relate with them? How do they want you to report to them?
4. Resources – what do you need from the boss to successfully perform your job? What materials, budget, equipment, systems, or personnel?
5. Personal development – what is your plan to grow in this job? What are the areas you will need improvement in or training for?