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Has anyone tried Bohme? Thoughts?
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Set up a meeting to better understand what her end goals are from making said proposed changes… is it an efficiency thing? Just wants it her way? I think I’d say I’m just trying to make sure you understand the reasons we are doing A this way and B that way, so we aren’t reverting back to something that didn’t work because of X, Y, Z. Position it like hey, I know you’re new here and I want to help support you, but also want to make sure you’re aware of how things are running and share any relevant metrics/reports that support why things are successful. I’d just be try to be as positive as you can in the interaction, but keep in mind she was possibly hired and her agenda is to shake things up per the leaders above her 🤷🏻♀️ just try to give the benefit of the doubt and see. Otherwise, get your resume ready!!
I totally see the positive angle, def agree with that. I also ... given the original info.... would NOT even remotely approach in a way that the boss could take as a challenge or could put you in an adversarial light. I would originally be a yes person and gain trust and try to get close to the boss as the YES person, the YES and WITH ENTHUSIASM person, not @$$ kissy but like ... YES b/c I'm a team player and I'm a worker horse and b/c this work drives me. THEN maybe you can get close and have input and influence.
I totally get wannnnnnting to ask the why... but ... right out the gate... that could be seen as disrespect or some sort of push-back adversarial type ... "difficult direct report." I dunno, just my 2 cents on that. It's a strategy... and also highly depends on the actual situation and vibes that I don't actually experience, but .... take what you will.
I go with it. New boss is new boss. New boss is new BOSS. In this world you either adapt or get left behind. I would adapt, don't kiss a** but .... boss is boss is boss. Do you want to be on the more comfortable happier and approved of side of boss or .... not?
Coach
PA1 is spot on. Adapt. Accept the change. Be a team player. Boss is boss. I’ve reported to several SVPs in the last two years. Each one has a different style and different strategy. But to question their decisions? Absolutely not. In the same way I don’t want any of my direct reports undermining my decisions.
The team may be perceived as underperformers. It's common for the manager to not be liked in this situation. I would follow their lead, it may surprise you. Built up trust and see if her guards come down. If over time it's not a good fit, your decision to leave won't be so difficult.
Dealing with this right now they brought in a new manager above my manager. And he has a very different style than the previous manager. Unfortunately he is the boss and I like my job so I go with it. He’s not doing anything that compromises my morals or ethics. Change isn’t always bad… although he has a habit of scheduling meetings during my lunch hour. So I put a block on my calendar for lunch. Any time you get a new boss there will be changes and we have to adapt or find a new job.
Some managers come in like this, and it can do more harm than good. Some feel they know it all or they feel pressured to make improvements immediately. Some do this to flex their power and show who’s boss, especially if there’s team members who have a long tenure. It’s definitely not how I teach new managers to lead.
All you can do is stay observant and helpful. Maybe things will settle down in a few months. But I’d get your résumé ready and keep your options open.