Want to Impress Your New Manager? 25 Thoughtful Questions to Ask:

Asking thoughtful questions to your new manager is key to career growth. It shows your interest, curiosity and ownership, while helping you build rapport. More importantly, it lets you understand your manager's expectations, priorities, and goals.

But what should you ask? Here are some questions to consider in your first few meetings:

General questions:

1. What are your expectations from me?

2. How do you define success for my role?

3. What’s your preferred mode of communication (email/chat/in-person)?

4. How do you provide feedback?

5. How would you like to receive updates on progress?

6. Can you share something about your own career progression?

7. What would you like to know about me?

8. Can you tell me about your management style?

9. How do you prioritize tasks when there are competing deadlines?

10. How do you measure team performance?

If you're new to the team:

1. Are there expectations about work hours, dress code, or travel?

2. What’s the most important thing I can focus on in my first few months

3. What's the team composition and culture like?

4. How does the team fit into the broader organization?

5. What’s the team’s charter or roadmap?

6. What are the top priorities for the team?

7. Can you share some of the team's recent achievements?

8. What challenges is the team facing?

9. Who are our stakeholders and partner teams?

10. What processes do we follow?

11. Who are the POCs (Points of Contact) I should reach out to?

12. Are there any role guidelines I should review?

If your manager is new to the team:

1. What are your thoughts on the team so far?

2. Is there anything I can help you with?

3. If you're comfortable sharing, what brought you to this team?

A few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t ask all the questions at once - use your judgment.

• Avoid making it sound scripted.

• Career growth and progression are important, but don't start with that in the very first meeting. Consider bringing them up in future 1-on-1s, once you've settled in.

Asking the right questions is a powerful way to build trust, clarify expectations, and set yourself up for success with your new manager. Remember, it’s not just about getting answers - it’s about showing initiative and creating a strong working relationship from the start.

I wish you the best!