Q: We went through a re-organization recently and my new boss doesn’t seem to like me. Things that made me successful prior to the re-org aren’t working – what should I do?
A: That can be tough, but congratulations to you for recognizing that criteria for your success has changed. Its not necessarily a fun revelation, but an important one if you are to pivot to success. One thing to try is have that conversation with your boss. Not the part about him/her not liking you, but about getting clarity on the new expectations for you and what will make you successful. Explain that you seem to be missing the mark, but you really want to succeed.
If what you are asked to do is something you don’t think you can succeed at, start by looking for help/support in relocating to another department, training to build skills or negotiating with your boss on how the expectations can be met without you shouldering all the responsibility for them.
Its important to recognize your own strengths and behaviors that make you successful. If you know that you are very creative and more instinctual than a detailed planner, yet your boss needs a detailed planner in the role, it is likely that you will be drained of energy every day at work trying to flex into a role that doesn’t suit you well. No matter what you do, you will be working against your strengths everyday at work and that will be draining. If you can explain what your strengths are, its easier to look for roles that will suit you and its easier to help your boss know what kind of work will get the best from you.
If you aren’t sure about how to identify and talk about your strengths, find a good assessment tool. There are several in the marketplace, Myers-Briggs, Strengths Finder, DISC and my favorite is DNA Behavior’s Natural behavior discovery. If you are interested in hearing more about it, let me know and I’m happy to set up time to speak with you.
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