What to do if your boss resigns - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

What to do if your boss resigns - Viewpoint - careers advice blog There is no longer such a thing as a job for life. Very few people stay in the same job or business for their entire career. When anyone leaves a business it can be unsettling for fellow team members; quite often, you could find yourself questioning your colleague’s decision, and possibly your own future at the company.   If the individual is your boss, that feeling of unease can be even greater and involve fears over the wider impact within your organisation. Remember that change is good Change within an organisation can be a positive thing, yet very few welcome it. You might fear the unknown, recall other negative experiences of change and generally assume the worst. The key to coping well if your boss resigns is to take a step back to assess the situation, embrace the likely change this will bring and adapt your own role and attitude with readiness. Here are some tips which will help make this possible. Don’t panic It will be natural for you to feel worried about what will happen to you once your boss leaves. What will your new boss be like? How will your role change? Did your boss know something about the company that you don’t â€" and will you be out of a job soon if you don’t leave? Questions like these are a natural reaction to a major change at work, but it is important not to let negative thoughts run away with you. Work on facts not fears, accept that uncertainty is just the nature of the beast. Keeping morale high is important â€" negative comments and shared anxieties amongst a team can quickly poison the atmosphere at work. It’s not personal No one should ever stay in a job solely because of who they work with, and nor should they leave for this reason. Colleagues and bosses are transient and should not form the basis of a major life decision such as a job change. People generally move jobs because they want to improve their lot in life and progress their careers. Remember, your boss isn’t leaving because of you and won’t have taken the decision to leave lightly. Could this be good for your company? Are you putting your boss on a pedestal? You may have liked them as a person, but realistically, were they the best person for the job? Think about how passionate they were about the company, did they inspire you? Were they culturally aligned to the business? Did they do all they could to develop you? If not, then in the nicest way possible- this could be a good chance for an upgrade! On the other hand, if they really were that great, then be grateful that you were able to learn from them, remember and implement the key lessons that they taught you. View this as an opportunity for growth Be proactive in seeking out a discussion with your boss’s boss, to find out what this means for your future career. Ultimately, think how you could use this inside information to push your own career forward in a subtle and professional manner. This could be your chance to move up to the next level, to really get your ideas heard, to showcase your talent and ambition.   Make it known to the powers that be, that stepping into a more senior role is of interest to you, and that you are committed to the future success of both the team and the company. Be seen as being helpful during the recruitment process If the decision has already been made to replace your boss with somebody other than you, be proactive in assisting with this process.   See if you can determine the qualities your boss had which worked particularly well in your team and company. If you have a say in the replacement process, use this insight to your advantage. Ensure your boss gives you a good handover Whether you are stepping into your boss’s shoes or simply want to help their successor as much as possible, take the opportunity to get as much information as possible from  your exiting boss before they leave. Your new boss will be grateful for any tips you can provide or practical assistance you can give over the day-to-day running of your team plus you will experience a much smoother transition. Don’t be bitter If you feel you have been passed over for promotion by not being asked to replace your boss, it is better that you have an open discussion with senior management. Explain that you feel you are able to step up a level and  hope there is scope for you to do so. If not, you may feel that it is time for a complete change. Perhaps your boss’s departure was just what you needed to motivate yourself to find a new challenge elsewhere? Either way, this is a good chance to re-evaluate your goals, more so, the necessary steps to achieving them. In summary, when your boss resigns, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude. Positivity is infectious; it will do wonders for team morale, as well as your own. You will also be able to see the personal opportunity in the situation, learning important lessons about your organisation, your ambitions and your future. Worried your career is going in the wrong direction? Our career management tips will help you get back on track High performer or workaholic? How to improve your work-life balance 10 tips towards becoming a better communicator What size company is the right fit for you? 11 ways to become more productive at work Do you know how and when to say no? Share this blog: