6 Strategies For Getting Noticed By a New Boss After a Merger or Aquisition was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Mergers and acquisitions can shake up the workplace and leave you feeling confused. New leaders are coming in, and the company culture is rapidly changing. The firm’s priorities and goals are no longer the same, and you aren’t sure where you stand with your new bosses.
If you are going through such a transition, it’s important to stand out from your peers. Ensure your new boss notices your unique skills and sees you as a valuable team member. Earn their respect to retain your position and open up more opportunities for yourself.
Here are some practical strategies to help you stand out.
1️⃣ Embrace the Change
When your company goes through a merger or acquisition., you will likely report to a different boss. Your duties may change, and you may even move to a new office.
If you loved the dynamics of the firm before the change, it can be challenging to adjust. But you shouldn’t let this affect your work morale or productivity. Instead of dwelling on how you’d like things to be different, embrace your new workplace.
Be flexible in case your new boss requires you to do something outside your regular duties. Welcome your new coworkers warmly and learn more about the other firm from them. If you will now use new systems, educate yourself on how they work.
2️⃣ Demonstrate Your Value
When a merger or acquisition occurs, people are likely to lose jobs. Company leaders often contemplate who to keep and may spend the transition period assessing employees. Capturing the attention of a new boss can help you keep your job and adjust to the change.
Highlight your past achievements and how they helped the company. Besides, mention specific cases where you solved problems for your previous boss. Use figures to show that you are an efficient and valuable employee.
Volunteering for projects is a great way to showcase your skills without discussing them with your new boss. Look out for opportunities that align with your interests and expertise. Be the first to assist colleagues or show new employees around.
Other ways to prove your value to a new boss are:
- Setting impressive and realistic personal goals
- Acting on the feedback they give about your work
- Meeting targets and deadlines
- Providing practical solutions to problems
3️⃣ Network Strategically
Strategic networking is sometimes exactly what you need to impress your new boss. Find out more about their goals for the company and their current position.
What areas do they want to focus on? Is there an impact they want to make in your industry? Is there a challenge they’d like to overcome to lead the company better?
Once you research such matters, it will be easy to tailor your interactions. You can connect with experts that help you meet company goals to be more noticeable. Further, you may even introduce your boss to an industry leader they admire.
4️⃣ Make Sure You Are Visible
When you are in a larger workplace than you are used to, it’s easy to lose your visibility. After all, there are many new employees around, and the bosses are also still adjusting.
Instead of just blending in, ensure you are noticeable to your new boss by staying active during meetings. Ask questions that show you are attentive and interested in the subject. Approach your new bosses for inquiries and mentorship opportunities.
Another way to improve visibility after a merger or acquisition is by challenging yourself. While you may be afraid to fail or damage your reputation, you should also take risks.
Find cross-functional projects that will challenge your skills and help you learn. Take on tough projects and consult your mentor for assistance. You could also take short courses and attend workshops to hone your skills.
5️⃣ Manage Stress
Mergers and acquisitions can be pretty stressful. You may have new demanding duties and a crazy work schedule. That aside, your coworkers may not be very cooperative during collaborative projects, which may frustrate you.
Managing work-related stress well can set you apart from other employees. Stay calm during stressful situations and avoid butting heads with your colleagues. If an issue arises, solve it quickly before your bosses get word. Don’t let your differences with other employees affect your productivity or cause the workplace to be toxic.
As you try to impress your new boss, taking care of yourself is also vital. You can only be your best self at work if you have peace of mind in other parts of your life. If you have a personal issue, seek help from family, friends, or professionals. Doing this will help you maintain productivity and a positive attitude.
6️⃣ Show Strong Leadership Skills
Leadership skills are crucial even for people in junior positions. You may not be an executive yet, but you could use these skills during a team project or to improve your relationship with other workers.
Get the attention of your new boss by being a team player. Support others in their duties and be open to collaborating with other workers. Don’t be the employee that complains when paired with people they don’t get along with. Instead, have an open mind and complement other peoples’ skills.
Taking accountability when you make a mistake can be harder when you have a new boss. You may fear that they will fire you or have a negative impression. However, taking accountability is a strong leadership skill that will earn you respect and recognition.
Admit your shortcomings instead of trying to blame other employees. Once you notice that you made an error, try to fix it or at least mitigate the effects. Don’t be afraid to report your mistakes instead of waiting for your boss to find out from others.
If you take accountability, your boss will notice your maturity and self-awareness. They may even commend you for honesty and the ability to control the ripple effects.
Transition Into an Evolving Workplace With Ease
Getting noticed in an evolving workplace can be easy if you embrace change. You should also be open to learning and networking outside your comfort zone.
Impress your new boss by showcasing your skills and using your track record to prove your value. If opportunities to shine arise, grab them and make a great impression from the start.
