My boss recently left the organization, and I’m having a harder time with it than I expected. I really looked up to her and relied on her guidance, and now I feel a little untethered. How do I find my footing and build a good relationship with my new boss?
When a boss you trust leaves, everyday work can feel surprisingly different. You may miss having someone who understands your strengths, helps you think through decisions, and takes an interest in your development. It makes sense that you would feel unsure about what comes next.
Here are a few practical steps to build your support back up:
1. Talk through what is making the transition difficult. A conversation with a trusted friend or mentor can help you name your concerns, giving you something specific to address. For example, saying “I’m nervous my development will stall” can direct you to discuss your goals with your new boss.
2. Identify what you valued about your former boss. How did they help you succeed? Perhaps it was candid feedback, making introductions, or encouragement to take on challenges. Look for a colleague or mentor (or even a few) who can also offer that. Sometimes it can take several people to replace the support you previously received from one person.
3. Give your new boss room to be different. It is easy to notice everything your new boss does differently. Try to get curious about those differences before assigning value to them. If your new boss prefers scheduled discussions while you are used to talking through ideas informally, explain what helps you while also trying to learn about their approach.
4. Make expectations explicit. Schedule an early conversation about your responsibilities, current projects, authority, and goals. Agree on regular check-ins that include feedback and obstacles as well as progress.
5. Put your development back on the agenda. Bring the goals you were working on with your former boss to your current boss. Explain what you have already done and ask them to help identify a useful next assignment or learning opportunity. Agree on when you will revisit your progress.
In the meanwhile, remember what you learned from your previous boss. Which questions helped you make better decisions? Which habits can you keep using? You can appreciate what your former boss contributed while building a productive relationship with someone new. This week, identify one kind of support you need and start one conversation to help you get it.
