Are You a New Boss? 5 Ways to Get Off on the Right Foot

Everybody wants to start off on the right foot with a new boss — especially if you’re the new boss.

But it’s often difficult to make the right first impression when you’re up to your eyeballs figuring out the new job, meeting other managers and sorting through what’s been done before you.

Making the Right Impression as a New Boss

So how can you make the most of those early introductions when your mind is on so many other things?

Here are five practical things that will have a big impact:

1. Keep a Smile on Your Face

If you aren’t apt to smile all the time, at least remove the frown.

“Recognize that people draw some impressions about you pretty quickly,” says Karen Dillon, coauthor of the HBR Guide to Office Politics.

It’s on you to make sure those first impressions are positive.

Your team is just as busy working as you are, so you don’t want to look frustrated or upset about how swamped you feel.

Plus, your obvious positivity will likely rub off on everyone else. It’s difficult to stay grumpy when the boss is so upbeat.

2. Feed Them

If you don’t have the funds to spring for lunch, buy coffee, soft pretzels or donuts. Set it out where employees normally congregate so they can enjoy it with ease.

Any new boss who brings relief for those 3 p.m. munchies will be revered.

3. Focus on What They Need

Put yourself in your employees’ shoes, advises Michael Watkins, chair of Genesis Advisors and author of The First 90 Days. “Keep asking yourself, ‘How can I help them get up to speed faster?'”

Better yet, make it a point to ask your employees.

You might be surprised if your employees tell you no one ever asked them directly what they need to do their jobs better. Showing that you’re aware of their needs and can go a long way in establishing trust.

4. Find Common Ground

Make a point to learn about who your people are, their interests and their track record, says Watkins. Check out their LinkedIn profiles (even if you don’t connect there). It’s better to connect in person. Or just take a peek at their work areas to see what they care about.

Common interests like a favorite sports team, travel, art or fitness activity are perfect ways to connect early on.

Employees might be wary at first, but establishing a common bond, no matter how small, can make a huge impact on how your employees approach you.

One caveat: Don’t get too nosy. When someone seems leery to share personal information, don’t persist.

5. Share Your Favorite Communication Style

Let employees know your preferred method of communication for different types of issues. And give them time to adjust. If the former manager was strictly an email person, your phone calls and drop-ins might put them off, at least at first.

By being upfront about how you like to communicate, and being flexible enough to accommodate their preferences, you’ll win favor and encourage better communication.

And What To Avoid At All Costs

Don’t lay it on too thick. Employees will be able to see through a new manager’s excessive boasting or kissing up pretty quickly, and you don’t want to run the risk of looking fake.

And once employees get that impression, it might never fade.

Don’t try too hard to gain favor with employees immediately, but don’t wait for them to address you either.

Your eagerness to make an impression should be to show an active interest in your employees and a desire to get along.

You’re in charge now, so don’t be shy about taking the first step in establishing new-boss goodwill.