I accepted a new role in August 2021 that was completely outside of my expertise.

Christina Navarro

November 2,2021 at 7:15PM UTC

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I accepted a new role in August 2021 that was completely outside of my expertise. I moved from project management into a training-type role. I have loved it so far. I'm learning new things, I have more of an impact on processes, and my team is amazing and supportive.

We just found out that most of our team is moving under a different leader this month, and I was warned of this leader last year.

I have plans to go in with a positive attitude and be optimistic, but have you ever moved under a leader that others dreaded, and it turned out to be a good thing? Share your experience.

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AnonymousNovember 2,2021 at 7:21PM UTC
I always take that feedback with a grain of salt. My previous boss was not liked by many, except for me and a few others. This is because I knew my boss enjoyed it when people tried to problem-solve before coming to them, and not sure others did that. I think you need to learn about your boss's communication style and work style preferences (and vice versa). Maybe when they begin their role, set up a meeting and discuss how you can be best supported, and your preferred communication methods. Setting the tone early helps you fall back on something later if things go awry!
Christina NavarroNovember 2,2021 at 7:37PM UTC
These are all great points! Maybe there was a lack of communication between this leader and others working for her. I plan on level setting for sure on what my expectations are and what hers will be. Thank you!
LauraNovember 2,2021 at 7:26PM UTC
I have! I heard terrible things! She was the kind of manager that wouldn't say any thing, and then would eviscerate you at your annual review. She never said anything positive. If you didn't have the kind of degree she had, she'd snub you. NONE of that turned out to be true. She was one of the most supportive, encouraging mentors I had the privilege to work for, at a time when that was exactly what I needed. We didn't agree on everything, and I would share concerns, but follow her lead. Mutual respect developed, and it was nothing like what I'd been warned to prepare for.
Christina NavarroNovember 2,2021 at 7:36PM UTC
I love this! Thank you! I am definitely going to think positively and work hard to earn her respect. I am a diligent worker and love to take on new challenges, so I'm hopeful that this will be a good move. You are right about gaining mutual respect and I think we can all learn from different types of leaders.
AnonymousNovember 2,2021 at 7:35PM UTC
Yes! I have and it ended up being a good thing because it was the disruption the team needed. Long story short: Under the previous leadership, it started to feel like everyone wanted to maintain being "friendly" over having healthy debates to drive real impact and change to benefit our customer market. The new leader had a a reputation of shaking things up, calling out specifics and leading high performing teams with high growth goals. And yes, it was hard, annoying and even frustrating at times lol, it actually ended up being the push we need to GROW as a team. I learned so much from that experience and the greatest lesson I learned is how to have healthy debates that drive change and clarity across multiple teams. It's still a skill I sharpen along the way but it's helped illuminate problem areas / pain points in a constructive and productive way.
Andrea Macek, Career Change Coach for Professional WomenNovember 2,2021 at 9:15PM UTC
Congrats on the new job! From my experience of working with and under new leadership, take what you hear with a grain of salt for now. You don't want to completely disregard it, but you want to get your own information from your own experiences before making any decisions. I'm curious, based on what you've heard, what are you most concerned about?
Also, be sure to pay attention to what all levels of the organization are saying in doing as it relates to this leader. For example, do the actions and feedback from their peers remain the same or change when they or with that person or not? (I.e. Do they save face but then talk behind their back?) Leadership should be earned not demanded.
Muliebrity SmithNovember 2,2021 at 9:24PM UTC
Honestly, I tend to get along with the folks I have been "warned" about. I do think it's important to adjust your approach to personality.
AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 1:50PM UTC
Same here. I seem to almost “specialize” in working with people (esp managers & C-suite executives) whom others find difficult!