When you begin working with a new boss, you’ll want to get a great start and set a positive tone right away. One of the best ways to do this is to ask a handful of meaningful questions of your new boss.
It’s critical you ask the right questions because your boss’ answers will give you the information you need to succeed. Your questions will also help you establish rapport. They’ll also communicate a lot about you—in terms of how you think, what you value, how you work and the role you’ll play on the team.
Chances are good you’ll get a new boss regularly, since 30% of workers will change jobs every year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, the younger you are, the less time you’ll spend in any particular job—about two to three years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
All this makes the process of getting to know a new boss especially relevant.
The Best Questions for Your New Boss
These are the questions that will be most important to ask.
Questions About You And The Role
You’ll be wise to request information about the role and expectations for your work. You can ask,
1. What does success look like in this role?
2. What are your expectations for me in this role?
3. What is your process to provide feedback?
4. How will you evaluate my success in this role?
Asking these kinds of questions will send a message that you want to demonstrate engagement, do your best and meet (and exceed) the performance requirements for the role. They will also communicate your commitment to a positive work ethic.
One point of caution: Be sure you don’t repeat questions that the leader has already answered in the interview process. If you want to dig into more detail beyond what you learned in the interview, be sure to acknowledge this. For example, you might say, “I know we talked about this a bit in the interview, but could you share more details about…”
You should also seek information about growth opportunities. You can ask,
5. What are the learning goals for this role?
6. Are there key aspects of the work you would like me to focus on in terms of my long-term growth?
By asking these kinds of questions, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to learning and career development over time. One point of caution: Be sure you also communicate your commitment to the current role and don’t unintentionally send a message that you’re overly focused on what’s next.
Questions About Working With A New Boss
You’ll also want to ask questions about how you’ll work with the leader. For example,
7. How would you prefer that I communicate with you and keep you updated on my work?
8. What are your preferred approaches for our communication?
9. What should I know about your leadership style so we can work most effectively together?
Questions About The Team And The Organization
In addition to yourself and the leader, you’ll also want to ask about the team and the organization as a whole. For example, you can ask,
10. What are your goals for the team?
11. How do you evaluate the success of the team?
12. How would you describe the culture of the organization?
13. What are the factors for success in the team and the organization—or the landmines to avoid?
14. When you’ve seen others succeed in this team (or organization), what have they done well?
15. Are there key people you would suggest I network with for additional direction or mentoring?
By asking these kinds of questions, you’ll communicate you value teamwork and that you respect and want to work effectively within the organization as a whole.
The Value of Questions For Your New Boss
These questions will help you succeed because you’ll know what you need to accomplish and how to work effectively within the team and the organization.
In addition, these questions for your new boss will help you learn what it will take to work well with your leader. And they’ll help you advance your career by establishing a solid relationship with your boss—and they’ll set the stage for the great performance they can expect from you.