Starting a new job or taking on a new position can be very exciting, but can also be intimidating – especially when you are not sure what your boss expects of you. Here are some tips to better manage your boss’ expectations and ease into your new post.

1. Find out your role and responsibilities

Check with the employee who was previously in the same position as you -- what his/her role and responsibilities were, what was expected from him/her and his/her everyday duties.  

These are all good to know so as to understand what your boss expects from you in that position. 

It’s likely that he/she had faced a similar situation when he/she had started there and therefore, would be able to help you ease in and maybe even give you tips to make the whole thing less stressful.

2. Communicate with your supervisor 

Even after finding out your role and responsibilities from your colleagues, you have to take the time to understand what your boss expects when it comes to project deadlines and deliverables. A company’s goals are always changing, so don’t take it for granted that you can just do what the previous employee in your position had done. 

By communicating frequently with your boss about his or her expectations around the nature and timing of deliverables, the probability of managing well and exceeding those expectations can significantly increase. 
 

And remember, you can over-deliver but never under-deliver.