What to do when your boss keeps changing

If you work at an organisation where constant reshufflings are the norm, you may find yourself with a new boss every few months. Here are some coping strategies.

— Introduce yourself. Each time a new manager is appointed, you need to schedule a one-on-one meeting with him. Talk about your strengths and goals.

— Be accommodating. Ask your boss how he likes to communicate, how often he wants status updates and how much detail he wants in them.

— Check your attitude. A new boss to get accustomed to is a challenge, but make sure you’re not wearing your annoyance on your sleeve.

(Adapted from, What to Do When You Get a New Boss Every Few Months, by Rebecca Knight)

Switch careers without giving up your seniority

Many experienced professionals would like to change careers, but the thought of starting over at the bottom is too demoralising. However, there are ways you can shift jobs or careers without giving up your seniority. Here are three ways to capitalise on your past experience:

— Leverage the halo effect. Recognise that if you’ve been successful in one field, others are likely to view you as being excellent all around.

— Make use of your advantages. Take stock of advantages you’ve built up over the years, such as connections that could help you get a foot in the door with a glowing reference.

— Find opportunities where inexperience is a virtue. Some companies — like those in need of a major turnaround — often are unusually receptive to hiring an unconventional candidate.

(Adapted from, Change Your Career Without Having to Start All Over Again, by Dorie Clark)

Check someone’s job references

You think you’ve found the right candidate for your open position, so now it’s time to check references. Start by soliciting feedback from colleagues who interviewed the candidate and asking what their concerns are. Their answers should form the basis of your questions. At the outset of the call, describe the job you’re trying to fill and its challenges. If the referee has seen the candidate perform in similar circumstances, ask: What were her responsibilities? What did she do? What were the results? Inquire about the candidate’s soft skills: How motivated is she? Is she empathetic? If speaking to a referee proves challenging, look for not-obvious references by identifying people in your network who also know the candidate.

(Adapted from, The Right Way to Check Someone’s References, by Rebecca Knight)

What to say when a conversation heats up

When a conversation turns negative, it’s helpful to have a repertoire of replies at your fingertips:

— Reframe. If someone says, “I don’t want to fight about this,” a useful reframe is, “This is a debate, certainly not a fight.”

— Rephrase. Rather than letting offensive words pass, suggest replacements. If someone accuses you of coming on too strongly in a meeting, you might reply, “I was passionate.”

— Revisit. If you’ve had positive interactions with the person in the past, remind him of his ability to find common ground: “We have a good track record of working together. No reason to change that now.”

— Restate. Give people a chance to reconsider what was said: “Surely there’s another way to say that.”

(Adapted from, 7 Things to Say When a Conversation Turns Negative, by Kathleen Kelley Reardon)

The best leaders know how to really listen

In a world of instantaneous global connection, one of the most authentic modes of communication still is just listening to someone. But listening can be a challenging skill to master. How can you build your ability? Start by creating space in your day. Block off time in your calendar to reflect on a recent conversation and to prepare for the next one. When a colleague or employee asks for advice, make sure you understand the situation. Before answering, ask a question. Clarify what they really need. And give people your full attention. Put down your phone and close your laptop. Leaders who make time for uninterrupted face-to-face conversation find that it’s one of their best management tools.

(Adapted from Listening Is an Overlooked Leadership Tool, by Melissa Daimler)

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, August 29th, 2016