DO NOT TRASH THE PAST.
There is nothing to be gained and much to be lost by criticizing the people who led the organization before you arrived.
DO NOT STAY AWAY.
If you have a boss who doesn’t reach out to you or with whom you have uncomfortable interactions, you will have to reach out yourself. Get on your bosses calendar regularly.
DO NOT SURPRISE YOUR BOSS.
Give your boss a heads up as
soon as you are aware of a developing problem.
DO NOT APPROACH YOUR BOSS WITH ONLY PROBLEMS.
You do not want to be perceived as bringing nothing but problems to your boss to solve. The key here is to give a few minutes of thought as to how to address the problem and to your role and help that you need.
TAKE 100% RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING THE RELATIONSHIP WORK.
Do not expect the boss to reach out or to offer you the time and support that you need.
DO NOT TRY TO CHANGE THE BOSS.
Assume that you are not going to change the boss, and adapt to his or her style and idiosyncrasies.
CLARIFY MUTUAL EXPECTATIONS EARLY AND OFTEN.
Begin managing expectations right away. Get bad news on the table early and to lower unrealistic expectations. Then check regularly to make sure the boss’s expectations have not shifted.
AIM FOR EARLY WINS IN AREAS IMPORTANT TO THE BOSS.
Whatever your own priorities, figure out what the boss cares about most. What are her or his interests or goals, and how does what you are doing fit into his or her picture?
