How to Deal with a New Boss: Your job hasnt changed. Nor has your title.

But your boss has. Its only natural that you feel uncertain about whats in store. You may find yourself wondering: Will the new boss change my role? Will this boss entrust me with as much responsibility as the previous one? What if he or she is too demanding? The very thought of a new boss propels an employee out of his comfort zone, says E. S. Srinivas, who teaches organizational behavior at the Indian School of Business. This uncertainty may lead to pessimism or skepticism, and possibly affect the entire teams output, says Mr. Srinivas. Instead of fretting about the new manager, human-resources experts say that employees should use it as an opportunity to get ahead. Here are some tips on how to do that: Accept: The first step to a successful relationship with the new boss is to accept him or her as the captain of the team. This also means being open to any changes that the manager may introduce, either in the team or specifically in your role. Most employees are reluctant to change, more so when directed by a new leader, says Ashit Ranjan, vice president of human resources at management consultancy Tecnova India Pvt. Ltd. But brooding or picking holes in the new bosss proposed plans just eats into your productive time. Worse, if the boss finds out about your negative attitude, it could jeopardize your standing and ultimately hinder your long-term career prospects. So, adapt. Dont tweak your entire working style to suit your bosss needs, but be receptive to work with different people and adapt to new methodologies, says Mr. Ranjan. Observe: Different bosses have different styles of working and different priority areas. It helps to spend some time figuring out what gets your boss excited and what he or she disapproves of. Decode key traits of the managers personality to know what approach works best with him or her, says Sreekanth K. Arimanithaya, head of human resources at Britannia Industries Ltd.

Is the boss a micromanager? Is he or she open to new ideas? Is the boss a people person or a statistics person? Answers to these questions can be gauged from day-to-day activities. For instance, notice how your manager reacts when you float a new concept. Is he forthcoming or does he immediately snub your proposal? Doing your homework on the boss can help you adapt better, just as your boss will doubtless be doing homework on you. And every new boss appreciates a willing employee. Communicate: Its important that you clearly understand what the new manager wants from you, so that you prioritize your work accordingly. If the boss hasnt made his requirements clear, done hesitate to initiate a conversation about it. Get a good sense of what your bosss deliverables are, says Mr. Arimanithaya, and how your role would change to achieve them. But be careful about how you communicate, experts say. For instance, even if you disagree with your new manager, dont fire back by saying: Our old boss always wanted it that way, says Ravi Dasgupta, group head of human resources at biopharmaceutical firm Biocon Ltd. Instead, ask the boss to explain why the proposal is best for the team. Understand: Most employees dont realize that even the new boss may be nervous, sometimes even more than the employees. The manager, particularly one who comes from another firm, may wonder if the team will accept him or her as their new leader? Will the manager fit into the culture of your organization? Heres a chance for employees to gain an edge with the manager. Help them navigate the new waters, says Mr. Dasgupta. If possible, grab lunch or a cup of coffee with the manager, and have an informal conversation to learn more about what he or she hopes to achieve in the new role. By doing so, you not only break the ice but also earn points for taking the initiative. Benefit: A new boss is a new opportunity, says Mr. Dasgupta. If your old boss perceived you to be an average worker, it would have taken considerable time to change that mindset. But with your old boss gone, thats history, says Mr. Dasgupta.

If your work really hadnt been up to par, its time to reflect on your mistakes and revamp your work ethic. Its almost like a fresh start to your career, says Mr. Arimanithaya. Make the most of it.