One morning you learn that the boss with whom you had developed an excellent rapport and amicable working relationship, has been promoted, transferred or resigned, and there is a new manager to occupy his chair. The person whom you knew every inch will no longer be your superior and there is a new individual to replace him.

Your comfort zone is bound to vanish. You are on the defensive. You feel unsettled and apprehensive that the new arrival in the organization will shatter your safe position and schedule.

However, since you have to work under the new manager, it is in your own interest to start off with a positive attitude. Here is how you can pave a smooth path.

• As the arrival of a new manager heralds adjustments, adopt a professional and flexible stance. Do not delude yourself that things will always remain the same. Accept the change as a challenge rather than an obstacle. Prepare to adjust, to enable you to carry on without major obstacles.

• Find out the new manager’s working style, his temperament, and personality and idiosyncrasies. Asking someone who has worked for the manager can help.

• A new manager is bound to be different. Take the initiative to reach out to him early and establish constructive contacts. Introduce yourself and amicably discuss expectations, goals, strategies, work hours, responsibilities, frequency of updates, level of autonomy and management changes.

• Forget your strong allegiance to the old boss and prepare for the necessary psychological adjustments to the new environment.

• Take time to build a harmonious relationship and wait for the right time for the adjustments as you get to know each other. Do not expect an immediate rapport and try to be very friendly straight away.

• The new affairs will be discomforting for the new boss also. Empathize with his situation without sounding derogatory. Try to earn about his needs and offer friendly assistance in explaining the intricate working without sounding like a boss.

Make your best shot to iron out the differences, if any. Soon you will find yourself enjoying the same rapport as you had with his predecessor.