Transition Anxiety

Whenever a new leader comes into an organization there will be a time of uncertainty. Questions abound, and people wonder what will he or she be like? Will things change dramatically? Will he/she be easy to get along with? The new leader probably has some of questions of their own. They will be thinking about the organization and how he or she might make it better.

It goes without saying things will be different. There will be a time of anxiety and even if the change is good, things are not going to be like they used to be. If you accept that things are going to be different at the onset, you give yourself the flexibility to adjust to what is coming next. Just don’t expect your new supervisor to be like your last one and you will both have some growing pains. Don’t go in with negative perspective of what might happen and it will improve your chances for a good outcome.

When I worked at GM, we were getting a new supervisor and the chatter started. I did not know Joe, but the rumor was that he was difficult and micromanaged. The gossip flew for about a week before he arrived, and people were concerned. Joe turned out to be one of the best supervisors I worked for and although he did have high expectations if you did your work and communicated openly things ran very smoothly.

One of the best things is to get off on the right foot. Make the opportunity to schedule an Informal meeting to get to know him or her. Discuss expectations and set priorities. Talk about current challenges and opportunities. Be open and honest and do not throw anyone under the bus as it can leave your new boss with a negative perception of you. Try to get clear on their expectations and how you will follow-up on assignments. With a little forethought you can get off to a great start and make your work life much easier.

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