Build a good relationship with your new manager

It is important to build a good relationship with your manager, even if you are very self-directed. You can do this by meeting frequently, even if there is nothing specific to discuss.

Unlike other meetings, meetings with your manager do not need to have an agenda or minutes; instead, they are about building the relationship itself. This way, you can practise talking about small things before they potentially become big issues.

You can start by talking about how things are going. Tell them what has been difficult, exciting or surprising. Tell them what you did and what you plan to do.

Stay on your own turf and do not ask direct questions about your new manager's leadership style. You can probably sense it, and otherwise it should be the manager who takes the initiative to talk about it.

In addition to the relationship itself, it is also with your manager that you can align expectations regarding the level of task completion and prioritisation of tasks.

It is beneficial to be corrected in a friendly manner on an ongoing basis. You can also ask for feedback yourself if your manager does not provide it.

When and how should you meet with your manager?

It varies greatly from workplace to workplace whether there is a fixed structure with regular one-on-one meetings with the manager or a culture where the manager is welcoming by saying ‘my door is always open, so just come in’.

The latter can be really difficult as a new employee. Nevertheless, we recommend that you ask your manager for feedback when you need it, as a good relationship with your manager is important for your well-being at work.

If there are no regular one-to-one meetings and your manager is not taking the initiative, you can ask the next most senior colleague in the department how they approached the relationship with their manager. It may also be possible to ask the HR department about this.