Dos and donts of getting to know your new boss

Given that a majority of us spend a third of our lives at work, maintaining friendly relationships with colleagues and superiors, is key to staying sane.

In fact, while being excellent at your job is important to getting ahead, so is demonstrating your ability to work well with others, especially your new boss. Starting off on the right foot is critical to building a strong foundation and setting you up for success. Here are a few do's and don'ts of getting to know your new boss.

Do - Show interest and be genuine
A new boss isn't necessarily a bad thing, as a fresh start always comes with new opportunities. Odds are your new boss is equally nervous about meeting the team. So, take the lead and introduce yourself. But there is no need to be very formal about it and only talk about work. Be yourself and show a genuine interest in the other person. Try to catch him/her during a coffee break or go for lunch.

Do - Aim for an early win
Any new manager comes prepared with a list of things they want to accomplish. After all, they have their own KPIs and want to demonstrate value to the company. Find out what he/she cares about and considers high priority. Identify the areas where you can help and get involved. Achieving an early milestone, even if it's a smaller one, is not only great for your boss but will reflect positively on the entire team.

Do - Establish a working procedure
When getting to know your new boss, defining your work dynamic is one of the most crucial steps. Depending on what your boss's management style is, you will need to adapt in order to build a professional working foundation. If this person's new style is too hands-on for your taste, it's your job to show your boss that you can be trusted and are able to work more independently.

Don't - Ignoring your boss
Clear communication is key to any working relationship. Whether you like the new hire and his/her management style or not, ignoring your boss isn't an option. Learn how to control your emotions, and avoid that passive-aggressive behaviour.

If you are unhappy with the way things are going, then proactively work towards changing the situation.

Don't - Be a know-it-all
You might have been longer at the company and understand the ins and outs, but that doesn't mean you order your boss around. It's crucial to remember what your role in this working relationship is. Embrace a supporting role and be open to questions and changes this person may implement.

Don't - Be too chummy
Personal friendships with colleagues are normal and develop over time. However, that doesn't mean you should become best friends with your new manager on day one. While a friendly chat about a common hobby or interest is great to break the ice, high-fiving your boss when walking into the office in the morning isn't appropriate.