Make a positive first impression and set the tone for your leadership team by mastering your introduction. By Tegan Samija • August 30, 2023 • 8 min read
Moving into a new role is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a manager. In fact, nearly half of all new managers fail at their assigned objectives. The good news is that being strategic about how you start your new role can have a big impact on your effectiveness as a leader.
The first step to a successful transition is to think about how you want to introduce yourself to your new team. According to Michael Watkins, your introduction is an opportunity to hit the ground running and set your team up for success.
Much more than just a “hello,” your introduction is a key time to build trust and credibility, set expectations, and build a foundation for your team’s collaboration. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to manage your introduction with helpful tools and examples to get started.
Starting a new job and meeting your new boss for the first time can be nerve-wracking You naturally want to make a good first impression and set the right tone for your working relationship A thoughtful self-introduction lays the groundwork for building an effective partnership with your new supervisor.
Follow these tips to confidently introduce yourself to a new manager and get off on the right foot:
Do Your Homework
Before you meet your new boss do some research to get insight into their background and management style. Check their LinkedIn profile and bio on the company website. Ask coworkers about their experience working with this manager.
This information allows you to understand their priorities and approach. You can use it to prepare relevant questions and show interest in their vision. Demonstrating this upfront research makes a positive impression.
Schedule a Dedicated Meeting
Don’t just pop into your new boss’s office and wing it. Request a 30 minute meeting specifically to introduce yourself. This shows you are organized, respect their time, and are serious about making a connection.
Send a meeting invite with an agenda to set expectations Having a focused discussion prevents an awkward unstructured conversation
Bring Your Resume
Print out copies of your resume to share with your new manager. This allows them to easily reference your background and skills. To make discussion easier, highlight key experiences you want to emphasize.
Point out accomplishments from past roles that could apply in your new position. This shows why you were hired and how you can add value.
Convey Your Enthusiasm
Express genuine excitement about the new opportunity. Share what appealed to you about the company and role during your interview process.
Explain how your skills and interests align with the position’s responsibilities. This demonstrates your passion and motives clearly upfront.
Explain Your Work Style
Describe the work style and habits that allow you to be successful. For example, highlight if you are very collaborative, detail-oriented, proactive, or think strategically.
This gives your manager insight into how to best manage you and play to your strengths. It also allows them to identify any potential mismatches early on.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Ask smart, thoughtful questions that show your interest in understanding the manager, team, and company vision. For example:
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What are your priorities for this team over the next 6 months?
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What challenges do you foresee in this role and how can I overcome them?
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What are the most important initiatives I should focus on early on?
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How would you describe your management style and what do you expect from reports?
Actively Listen
During the discussion, listen attentively to what your boss says. Avoid interrupting them or dominating the conversation. Take notes on key points so you can follow up on them later.
Pay attention to their communication style as well. Note if they prefer getting frequent updates or being hands-off. Adjust your approach accordingly.
Present Yourself Professionally
Dress professionally for the introductory meeting with your manager. This shows you take both them and the discussion seriously. Bring an electronic or paper notebook to take notes.
Maintain eye contact and confident body language. Sit up straight and avoid nervous habits like fidgeting. Project energy and positivity in your voice and expressions.
Be Memorable
Find subtle ways to make yourself memorable after the initial introduction. For example, send a thoughtful thank you email recapping key discussion points.
Mention something unique you learned about your boss like an interesting hobby. Drop by their office later with an article on a topic you discussed. Making these personal connections helps you stand out.
Clarify Expectations
Before wrapping up, confirm expectations for communication and work style. How often does your manager want to meet one-on-one? What is their preferred method of communication?
Agreeing on logistics upfront ensures clarity and alignment from day one. It also demonstrates you are organized.
Follow Up After the Meeting
After your introduction, follow up with your new boss by email. Thank them for their time and include a list of tasks or next steps based on your discussion.
Offer to provide any other information they need to get you up to speed. This shows you listened closely and can execute.
Be Patient
Remember that building a relationship with a new manager takes time. Don’t expect to become their go-to person overnight. Demonstrate your capabilities and add value consistently.
Earn opportunities to take on more responsibility and have a larger impact over time. With patience and hard work, you’ll develop a strong partnership.
Things to Avoid When Introducing Yourself
While making a great first impression is important, you also want to avoid certain missteps:
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Don’t Wing It: Always prepare and have an agenda for your introduction meeting. WingING it can lead to awkwardness or vital topics getting missed.
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Don’t Be Late: Punctuality is crucial. Make sure you know exactly where and when you are meeting. Arriving late leaves a terrible first impression.
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Don’t Overshare: Keep your introduction focused on your skills and work style. Avoid oversharing irrelevant personal details or venting about past bosses.
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Don’t Make Assumptions: Avoid assumptions about how your new boss likes to communicate or work. Clarify their preferences directly instead.
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Don’t Go Overboard: While enthusiasm is great, avoid going overboard. Projecting excessive confidence can come across as arrogance. Find the right balance.
Here is an example introductory script you can adapt:
Hi [name], I’m so pleased to be joining your team as the new [role]. I truly appreciated you taking the time to meet with me personally today.
As we discussed, I have been working in [industry or role] for the past [number] years. Some of my key skills and experiences that could be valuable in this position include [highlight 2-3 here]. I’m particularly interested in [share interests that align with role].
I really enjoyed learning from you today about [recap something unique you learned about them]. Thank you again for the warm welcome. I look forward to working together to contribute to the team’s success.
Key Takeaways
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Research your new boss ahead of your introduction meeting
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Schedule a dedicated meeting and prepare an agenda
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Share your background, work style, and strengths
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Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate interest
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Actively listen to their responses and communication style
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Follow up after the meeting with a recap and thank you
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Avoid common missteps like winging it, being late or oversharing
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Be patient – building trust with a new manager takes time
Introducing yourself effectively to a new supervisor lays the foundation for a successful manager-employee relationship. Take it seriously and focus on making a positive first impression. With the right preparation and professionalism, you can start things off smoothly with your new boss.
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4Talk about your professional background and experience
Research shows that when forming a first impression, people evaluate two main factors: competence and trustworthiness. Sharing your professional highlights is a good way to demonstrate the former; you can mention companies you’ve worked for, notable projects, and areas of expertise. Be mindful of your tone and body language so you come across as relaxed and confident instead of boastful. If you have previous experience as a manager, you’ve also developed an important set of skills. You can share your managerial experience with your team and briefly describe your management philosophy to demonstrate credibility.
How to Introduce Yourself to a New Team (CONFIDENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY)
FAQ
How do you introduce yourself to your new boss sample?
How do you introduce yourself professionally?
How do you introduce yourself as a manager for the first time?
How do I introduce myself to my new boss?
By simply having a positive, professional conversation, you can set the tone for how your new boss and the rest of the team perceive you. In this article, we explain how to introduce yourself to your new boss. Meeting your new boss is an important professional experience because it aids in a new supervisor’s transition to your organization.
How do you communicate with a new boss?
When you meet someone, your nonverbal communication, or body language, can leave an impression. By using professional, confident body language, you can show your new supervisor that you’re an asset to their team. When you meet your new boss in person, stand up straight, with your shoulders back.
How do you introduce yourself to new colleagues and supervisors?
When you introduce yourself to new colleagues and supervisors, make sure to use positive language and avoid mentioning anything negative in your introduction. This is your chance to make a great first impression and you want to leave people with a positive impression. 4. Take advantage of your company’s orientation program
How to make a good introduction to your boss?
Preparing a succinct self-introduction showcases confidence and readiness. Adapting to the corporate environment and your boss’s style is crucial. Mastering the in-person greeting can establish immediate rapport. Planning and practice make for a memorable and positive first impression. Conveying a professional demeanor visually and verbally is key.
