8 Questions to Ask Your New Boss
Developing a list of questions to ask your manager in the workplace is a great way to lay the foundation for a healthy working relationship and shows initiative. Here are a few questions to help you get started:
- How do you like to communicate?
Especially with new hybrid work from home/in the office arrangements, it’s important to be flexible, clear and consistent with communicating with your manager, particularly if you work exclusively from home.
- What’s the best way to ask for feedback?
Establishing a rhythm or pattern of regular feedback on you’re doing, even if it’s 15-minute weekly chats or email check-ins can help you to adjust and reflect on your performance.
- Who should I meet with outside of our team?
Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Understanding the informal networks at your organization that make up the social dynamics of the team can help you influence others.
- What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Inviting your supervisor to empathize with you helps them realize that you respect their expertise and helps develop a good rapport between you and your manager. It can also help you understand more about how your supervisor thinks and acts.
- How can I support the team and add value?
Asking this can help you prioritize your duties and responsibilities, clarify your role and align your expectations.
- What could I be doing better?
After the first few weeks on the job, asking this question will encourage your supervisor to provide you with the guidance you need to bridge the gap between what is expected from you by your boss and team with how well you’re actually performing
- How can I further develop my potential?
Clarify the existing criteria for advancement and promotion to help you be objective and practical about your career growth, and helps to keep your boss in the loop and honest
- What books, workshops or articles would you recommend?
This question can help you get insight into the tips and resources your manager uses to be successful and shows your interest in growing your career and learning.
