Maybe you like your boss, maybe you don’t - but suddenly finding out that your boss just quit can catapult you into the deep end of the pool. Do you float, sink, or joyously splash around - whatever you chose, undoubtedly, you may have some questions:
- Is someone new coming in? Are they internal or from ‘the outside’?
- Is my position secure? Am I next?
- What’s going on that he/she knows that I don’t?
- Should I consider leaving too?
- Is there an interim process that is going to happen and what is that - how does it relate to you?
- Is your boss leaving immediately? If not, will you be cross-trained on any new elements or will you be expected to take on new responsibilities.
- If you are not targeted for cross-training or to pick up the slack - identify some extra responsibilities that you could take on at this time - this will not go unnoticed by your (former) boss’s boss.
- Find out if you have an opportunity for promotion to the (now) vacant position.
- If you are not tapped for promotion to the position - make sure to help the new boss settle in successfully. Next, schedule a meeting with your new boss to discuss (team/individual) priorities and expectations. Relay the projects that are on your plate and the status, so your boss has a good situation awareness. Make sure to have a list of accomplishments ready to hand/email to them.
- This is a good time to suggest new processes if you see room for improvement.
- After some time with the new boss, evaluate your current role, your opportunities for growth, and your job satisfaction. If you are not making progress on your career path; your relationship with the new boss is not working out, or you just don’t feel like you ‘fit’ anymore. Consider leaving and getting a new job/career, starting a business, or going back to school. If you do decide to leave, make a strategic exit plan.
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