With
today’s rapidly changing workplace, we can expect that we’ll be working with
a number of new execs over the course of our career. No need to panic and worry
about how you will be perceived by the new person in charge. Instead, get out of
your comfort zone and stop focusing on “the way you’ve always done it.”
Instead, show your enthusiasm, hone your adaptability, and welcome new ways to
accomplish work goals.
Find
out as much about your new boss as you can. Don’t seek gossip, but look
for indicators of work style and preference. Seeing a copy of his/her resume
is a good place to start, so is talking to the person or group that made the
selection. Read any articles that the new person may have written or
articles about him/her.
Take
a good hard look at yourself. If you haven’t kept up with the times and
challenged yourself on the job, begin a program of self-improvement now.
Sign up for a PowerPoint course, send away for a self-study module on
improving your writing skills, commit to sitting for the Certified
Administrative Professional (CAP) exam.
Organize
the office area. This is a good time to clean outdated files, pull together
a procedures manual, update the organizational chart and contact information
for employees, vendors, and clients.
Objectively
observe your work space. Ask yourself what it says about you? Does it
project a professional image of someone who is efficient, organized, and
striving for excellence? Or does it indicate a preoccupation with family,
good times partying with friends, religious beliefs, negative humor, or
objects better found in a teenager room, like toys, stuffed animals, or
posters of rock stars? Have your work area display a professional image.
There are other times and places to show outside interests.
Anticipate
what the new person will want/need. A notebook with copies of the minutes
for the last two years is helpful, so too is a summary of the progress
reports for all the department projects.
Don’t
assume. Wait until you meet the new person before you order office supplies
and reorganize his/her work area. Get input first.
Call
the new person and introduce yourself. Ask if there is anything you can
provide to him/her before that first day in the office. Offer a welcome and
express your flexibility to adapt to his/her work style. Under no
circumstances should you engage in spreading rumors or relating your
concerns or fears about the new person or the change. It will most likely
get back to the new exec and can irreparably damage your future relationship
with him/her.
Think
positive and see this as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of a
successful work team. This could be your time to shine.
