Someone asked me, “How does one manage the onboarding process and role risks when one’s new boss does not seem to have time for you, i.e. may not be your champion?”
Unfortunately, this is more common than one would expect. Worse, as we all know, your relationship with your boss is the most important one you’ve got in the company. If your new boss doesn’t have time for you, if you’re not important to your boss, that’s going to be very hard to change.
So give up.
Give up on trying to get your boss to spend time with you or champion you.
Instead, figure out what is important to your boss. Work those issues. Make things easier for your boss in those areas. Then get your boss to spend time championing those issues and your work in those areas. You’ll be surprised how fast things will get better for you.
Remember, you’re in charge of your own onboarding. You MUST find a way to connect with your key stakeholders (including your boss), build a high performing team and deliver the expected results.
George Bradt
PrimeGenesis Executive Onboarding and Transition Acceleration
