Tips to bond with the new boss

The arrival of a new boss certainly creates a ripple amongst the work force. Shortly before he or she takes charge, there are briefings about the formal handing over of duties. This isn’t about how to welcome your new boss, as we are sure he will feel your welcomes in the first five minutes that he walks in. This is about 5 important things that you should tell your new boss, to create a healthy environment at the workplace.

1. Putting yourself in his good books
   No matter what your colleagues think, you have to take the initiative to make a good impression, by speaking to the point, yet leaving enough room for your personality to shine through.The use of some special phrases, or an excellent vocabulary should see you through this phase.
2. Convey any conditions you might have
   This is perhaps more significant than the previous one. If you have any special health conditions requiring any special considerations or concessions, now is the time to speak.It is very difficult for your boss to reorganize, or reallocate work just because he didn’t know you are allergic to air-conditioning, or have diabetes. Of course, the new boss will go through the dossier that HR has on you, but it will serve you well to cut short the boss’s work by volunteering information about yourself. The flip side is that your boss will appreciate you being upfront, and thus, be in his good books that way.
3. Setting Expectations
   This is a group activity, because if you do this solo, it could backfire, and you could alienate yourself from your colleagues. You can hold a joint meeting, and decide the best healthy practices that you can promote in your department.When your new boss arrives, make a written formal presentation of your thoughts, so that it is appreciated. Any prevailing condition that is affecting productivity or morale at the workplace should be pointed out. Take care, however, that you take no names as that will just be a ‘gossip presentation’.
4. Use discretion when rattling on your colleagues
   Discretion is the key when it comes to volunteering information on any of your colleagues. Not because you will be found out, but because it isn’t a hygienic thing to do.However, if you notice something unusual about any of your colleagues, then bring it to the notice of the boss. This could be a serious mental or health condition, which even the person might not be aware of.If you see someone with a likely problem, then try talking to the person first as, it could be all your imagination also. The boss might even precipitate things for this other person, because nobody bothered to tell on him. So, gossip, but be extremely discreet.
5. Bosses are human too
   We often make wrong assumptions about people from the expressions that they wear. Bosses might mean business most of the time, but don’t let his icy glare cut through your honest intentions.The new boss obviously is going to wear a mask, and keep the guard up. So, it’s up to you to make him warm up to you without forgetting that it is a professional relationship.As long as you don’t expect playing golf with your boss on his first weekend at office, then we can assume that you are a reasonably sensible person. However, if you manage to do just that, then we are sure, either you have exceptional people skills, or the new boss is a complete idiot!