4 Tips for Winning Over Your New Boss

According to an article in the Harvard Business Review titled 'Surviving your New CEO', employee turnover increases by 33% when executives aren't able to work well with their new bosses. The way to prevent this is by establishing a positive and productive working relationship with the new boss. Here is how you can do so.

1. Research. This is the first thing to do; find out where your new boss has worked (LinkedIn is a good place to start), and try and speak to someone who has worked with them. This can help you understand their temperament and find common ground.

2. Figure out your new boss's work style. The sooner you do this, the better. The easiest way is by asking yourself important questions such as: 'What is their preferred method of communication?'; Do they prefer short or long conversations?'; 'Do they like to delegate or micromanage?'; 'When it comes to solutions, do they prefer one or multiple options?'; and 'Do they tend to procrastinate or get things done fast?'.

3. Gain clarity. New bosses usually bring with them a lot of new ideas; they want to change things, improve their departments, and achieve the company's goals as soon as possible. In light of this, it is essential that you clarify your role and responsibilities on a regular basis; this will help you to focus your time, energy and attention and on the right objectives.

4. Be helpful - but honest. Since your boss will be new to the company, you should help him or her acclimatise to the organisation, by informing him or her about the SOPs in place, how to access of information, who to speak to, etc. Remember, be helpful, but not too eager. Do not fall into the trap of trying to develop a quick relationship or make a good impression by hiding facts, sugar-coating issues and being unnecessarily friendly. This might be beneficial in the short-term, but can backfire in the long run, so avoid doing this; stay honest and keep to the point.