Questions to Ask a New Supervisor
Essential questions to ask when you have a new supervisor to establish expectations, build rapport, and ensure a successful working relationship.
1What are your expectations for my role and performance?
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What are your expectations for my role and performance?
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Why this works
Understanding their expectations helps you know what's required and how to succeed in your position.
2How do you prefer to communicate and how often?
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How do you prefer to communicate and how often?
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Why this works
Learning their communication style helps you establish effective working patterns and avoid misunderstandings.
3What is your management style and how do you like to work with your team?
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What is your management style and how do you like to work with your team?
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Why this works
Understanding their management approach helps you adapt your working style to be most effective with them.
4What are your priorities and goals for our department?
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What are your priorities and goals for our department?
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Why this works
Learning about their priorities helps you align your work with their objectives and contribute meaningfully.
5How do you handle feedback and performance reviews?
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How do you handle feedback and performance reviews?
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Why this works
Understanding their feedback approach helps you know how to receive guidance and improve your performance.
6What are the biggest challenges facing our team right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing our team right now?
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Why this works
Learning about current challenges helps you understand the context and how you can contribute to solutions.
7How do you prefer to receive updates and reports?
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How do you prefer to receive updates and reports?
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Why this works
Understanding their reporting preferences helps you provide information in the format and frequency they want.
8What are your expectations for team collaboration and meetings?
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What are your expectations for team collaboration and meetings?
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Why this works
Learning about their collaboration style helps you participate effectively in team activities and meetings.
9How do you handle conflicts and difficult situations?
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How do you handle conflicts and difficult situations?
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Why this works
Understanding their conflict resolution approach helps you know how to handle problems when they arise.
10What are your thoughts on professional development and growth?
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What are your thoughts on professional development and growth?
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Why this works
Learning about their development philosophy helps you understand opportunities for growth and advancement.
11How do you prefer to handle urgent issues and emergencies?
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How do you prefer to handle urgent issues and emergencies?
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Why this works
Understanding their approach to urgent matters helps you know how to escalate issues appropriately.
12What are your expectations for work-life balance?
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What are your expectations for work-life balance?
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Why this works
Learning about their work-life balance expectations helps you manage your time and avoid burnout.
13How do you like to recognize and reward good performance?
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How do you like to recognize and reward good performance?
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Why this works
Understanding their recognition style helps you know what to expect and how to celebrate achievements.
14What are your expectations for decision-making and autonomy?
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What are your expectations for decision-making and autonomy?
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Why this works
Learning about their decision-making preferences helps you know when to act independently and when to consult.
15How do you handle changes and transitions?
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How do you handle changes and transitions?
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Why this works
Understanding their approach to change helps you adapt and support organizational transitions.
16What are your expectations for innovation and new ideas?
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What are your expectations for innovation and new ideas?
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Why this works
Learning about their innovation approach helps you know how to contribute new ideas and improvements.
17How do you prefer to handle mistakes and learning opportunities?
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How do you prefer to handle mistakes and learning opportunities?
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Why this works
Understanding their approach to mistakes helps you learn from errors and grow professionally.
18What are your expectations for customer or client relationships?
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What are your expectations for customer or client relationships?
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Why this works
Learning about their client relationship expectations helps you represent the organization effectively.
19How do you like to celebrate team successes and milestones?
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How do you like to celebrate team successes and milestones?
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Why this works
Understanding their celebration style helps you participate in team recognition and build morale.
20What advice do you have for someone new to this role?
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What advice do you have for someone new to this role?
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Why this works
Learning their advice helps you understand what they value and how to succeed in your position.
Best Practices for Working with a New Supervisor
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Proactive and Engaged
Show initiative by asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating your commitment to success.
Listen and Observe
Pay attention to their communication style, preferences, and how they interact with others.
Be Open to Feedback
Welcome constructive feedback and use it to improve your performance and working relationship.
Build Trust Through Consistency
Be reliable, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments to build trust and credibility.
Question Sequences
The Expectations Sequence
The Communication Sequence
The Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Assume Their Style Matches Your Previous Supervisor
Each supervisor is different. Don't assume they'll work the same way as your previous manager.
Don't Wait for Them to Initiate Everything
Take initiative in building the relationship. Don't wait for them to reach out to you.
Don't Ignore Their Communication Preferences
Pay attention to how they communicate and adapt your style to match their preferences.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
It's better to ask questions early than to make assumptions that could lead to problems later.