Survive – and thrive – under a new boss
Elizabeth Uviebinené is author of five books, including The Reset and Slay In Your Lane, and founder of Storia
I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of sudden change. So when my friend called me in a panic last week that her boss (who championed her work) was leaving, I understood her plight. An unexpected departure of a supportive boss can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you.
We often rely on those rare allies who advocate for our success. When they move on, you’re left with an unsettling mix of emotions – worry, uncertainty, even fear. Who will step into their shoes? Will the new leader appreciate your projects and ambitions the way they did? Will they be a nightmare to work with?
Navigating this transition isn’t easy, but it’s not insurmountable. Use this time to reconnect with other colleagues and strengthen those relationships. Then, when the new hire arrives, be proactive in introducing yourself and discussing your ongoing projects. Clear communication can help set the tone for a positive working relationship.
Give them a chance. They might have different methods, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be beneficial to your goals in the long run. Be prepared to adjust as needed. Flexibility demonstrates your resilience and capability to handle transitions smoothly. Approach the situation with an open mind: you’ve got this.
ASK THE EXPERT
Becky Excell is an author and was BBC Food digital creator of the year 2023
As if removing gluten from everything I eat until the end of time wasn’t bad enough, I underestimated how it would also throw a spanner in the works of every social occasion involving food. By removing gluten from my diet (doctor’s orders!), I became ‘the awkward one’ whenever food was involved.
Examples include: ‘thanks for the gift… but I can’t eat it’ or ‘happy birthday to me… I wish I could eat my own cake’ as well as: ‘the only thing I can safely eat in this restaurant are the napkins’. That’s without including the whole ‘go on, try it – a little bit won’t kill you’ thing people love to suggest, despite my attempts to explain the existence of cross-contamination. If this all sounds familiar, then I can assure you that things will get better… with your own intervention.
Many of these problems can be avoided by reminding friends and family of your dietary requirements and politely educating them on the more practical requirements of cross-contamination as well as what does and doesn’t contain gluten.
Check out online menus and contact restaurants ahead of time to check their cross-contamination policy. The same goes for takeaways.
I know, I know, it’s all infinitely less spontaneous and you’ll likely want to bang your head on a wall trying to get people t
