How to Get a New Boss to Like You

The new year is often a time when many people make changes, and that may include your boss. One day she's your boss -- you understand all her quirky habits and she understands yours -- and the next day she announces she's leaving for a new job.

That means a new boss is about to upend your world and you don't know what to expect. How will the new boss know that you've always worked hard to be a team player? Will she accept your snow globe collection or make you get rid of it? Is it possible that she'll ignore your abilities and favor your vile cubicle mate?

You can't predict what will happen with a new boss, but you do need to understand it's time to hit the reset button. She doesn't care what you did before. What matters to the new boss is what relationship you have with her and how you're going to contribute to her success and that of the team. 

Here are some do's and dont's when it comes to a new boss:

1. Don't show up in her office the first day listing your accomplishments for the last five years. It's much better to spend your initial conversations with her to talking about all the things you've learned in the last year. That way, what you've done still seems valuable and makes you look like someone who continues to grow in the position.

2. Do be pleasant. You don't have to gush all over the new boss, but also don't seem snippy or resentful of her presence. Be friendly and approachable. Make her feel like a valued new member of the team.

3. Do determine her work style. Ask her whether she'd rather receive texts, emails, phone calls or personal updates. Many new relationships get off on the wrong foot simply because of poor communication.

4. Do listen to what she says -- but also be observant. A new boss may say she wants to be informed weekly of your progress, but you can tell she gets stressed when she doesn't have an update more often. Be flexible and ready to deliver what seems to make the boss happiest.

5. Do get to know her, but don't be creepy. While it's important to spend time talking to your boss to get to know her, it's also a good idea to check out her LinkedIn profile or other professional information. Stay away from trying to get personal information about her online -- there's always the chance she will find out and that may not sit well with her.

6. Offer help. New bosses are trying to learn the ropes, just like any new employee. So, if you can show her a shortcut on a software program, do so. Or, you can offer some background on an important client. Remember: a boss's success is your success. If anyone is going to fail in this new relationship, it's likely that you will fail first.