Disagreeing with your new manager? Here’s what to do

man raising eyebrows in a conversation with his coworker

You’ve been through a few interviews and finally landed the job of your dreams.

The only problem? You don’t see eye to eye with your new manager. Maybe you think he’s too demanding, or she’s not giving you the guidance you need. So what do you do?

In any new job, there will be times when you don’t see eye to eye with your boss. Disagreeing with a new manager is a lot more common than you might think, and there are ways to deal with it that won’t damage your relationship or career prospects.

In this post, we will discuss some tips on how to deal with a disagreement with your new manager, and how to maintain a positive relationship despite any differences of opinion.

Define the problem

You’ve just accepted a position you’re excited about, only to find out that your new boss is a nightmare. So what do you do?

Well, the first step is to define the problem. What’s specifically making you upset? Once you know that, you can start looking for a solution.

Maybe your boss expects you to work overtime, but you have a family and need to be home promptly in the evenings. Maybe they’re always changing their mind and it’s hard to keep up with them.

Seeing things from their perspective

Whatever the problem is, try and put yourself in your boss’s shoes.

What might be making them act the way they are? Once you have a better understanding of their perspective, it will be easier to get talking.

Remember, they may have a different way of doing things, and that’s okay. You don’t have to agree with them on everything, but try to listen to their point of view and understand where they’re coming from.

Talk to your manager or seek help from HR
talking to the boss

Image Credits: dailyamazingthings.com

Talking to your manager might sound scary, but it’s important to express how you’re feeling and to try and work things out. You might be surprised at how open some might be to a discussion.

If talking to your manager doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere, or if you’re just not comfortable doing that, then you can seek help from your HR manager. They’re there to help resolve any people issues and most will be more than happy to set up a meeting to assist.

Get a second opinion and decide whether or not to stay

Talk to your coworkers—see if they’re experiencing the same thing. Perhaps you’re not the only one who’s feeling this way.

Once you’ve gathered some information, it’s time to make a decision. Do you want to stay and try to make things work, or is it time to move on? Only you can answer that question. But whatever you do, don’t make any rash decisions without giving it some serious thought.

It can be tough when you don’t see eye to eye with your new manager. But, stay collected. Talk to your manager about your concerns. They may not be aware that there’s a problem, and they may be able to work together to find a middle ground. If things get too tough, take a break from work until you feel in control. This is not a long-term solution, but it can help you get through a rough patch. Finally, if you feel like you’re not getting anywhere with your manager, or if the situation is just too difficult, seek assistance from HR and consider your next steps.

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