The announcement of a new organizational structure and a new boss makes employees anxious. I faced this while leading a large team at an IT company in India during the early 2000s. Although I had worked with international clients, having a boss from another culture was a new experience for me.
The next day, a new boss from Germany was set to join us. All project managers, eight of us, were scheduled to meet him at 9:00 a.m. sharp. We entered his cabin and began with a round of introductions. To our surprise, our names were already written on the whiteboard. We waited with eagerness and anxiety for the new boss to reveal the purpose.
He asked us, “Do you know why your names are written on the board?”
He didn’t wait for an answer. “If you come to me with a problem, I’ll mark it against you. This will reflect negatively on your performance appraisal.”
This was unexpected and shocking, especially given the work culture in India where bosses are always expected to support their subordinates. Suddenly, we found ourselves without a boss to turn to. The room filled with a tense silence as we exchanged looks of disbelief.
After a brief pause, he explained:
If I spend 20 minutes every day with each of you on your problem, I would have spent half of my day. So, whenever you have a problem, don’t think of one solution; think of multiple solution options. Come to me only if you have difficulty selecting the best option.
Upon reflection, I realized this was a profound management lesson. It changed how I approached challenges, both as a leader and a subordinate. It taught me to feel empowered, think deeply, and explore solution options. These lessons have since shaped my leadership style.
Here are the key lessons I took away from the experience:
- Empowerment: Cultivate a sense of empowerment and self-reliance by encouraging independence in problem-solving.
- Focus on Solutions: Develop a proactive mindset by devising multiple solutions, along with their pros and cons, rather than merely pointing out problems.
- Respect the Boss’s Time: Save your boss’s time by presenting clear, well-thought-out solutions, allowing them to focus on bigger challenges.
I have always remembered and followed these lessons throughout my career. I relayed the same message to my team. By empowering my team to think independently and focus on solutions, I’ve fostered a more proactive, efficient work environment.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you experienced a similar situation with a new boss? How did it influence your approach to leadership and teamwork?”
LinkedIn summary:
Working with a new boss from a different culture challenged my leadership approach. I learned valuable lessons on empowerment, problem-solving, and respecting time. These insights have shaped my leadership style, driving efficiency and independence. Have you had similar experiences with new leadership styles?”
