A. Invest in the relationship, even if it's temporary B. Check your attitude C. Hold your own responsibilities D. Maintain relationships E. Focusing on learning F. Discover the new priorities G. Always prepare for chances In some workplaces, reorgs and personnel changes are constant, which means that you might be getting a new boss every few months. How do you develop an effective relationship with your manager when the person filling that role keeps shifting? How much of an investment should you make? How can you get what you need to succeed and grow in your role? And is maintaining continuity yore responsibility? 1 Do a little detective work. We need to find out the reason why this boss was appointed and what it means for your organization and your career path. It may have something to do with the failures of the previous manager, but it's more likely that the new boss signals a change in the organization's direction or a shift in its mission. To find out, talk to your peers, your colleagues in other departments, or your boss's boss. Get involved in your new manager's orientation process. Then, align yourself with the new priorities. 2 You may find that you don't like or respect your new boss as much as your old one, but don't dwell on the negative. You should focus your attention and energy on areas you do have control over and things you can do to improve the situation like being a helping contributor. Similarly, don't moan to colleagues about your new-boss whiplash. If you need to vent, talk to your spouse or your friends (provided they don't work at your company). Seek out people who will give you honest feedback about the validity of your complaints. 3 Don't fall into the trap of thinking you don't need a strong relationship with a new boss who may soon be replaced. You need to make a big investment no matter how short you expect the person's tenure to be. Having good relationships with colleagues and your boss makes your workday more enjoyable and efficient. You don't have to be best friends with a new manager, but it's a good idea to make an effort to get to know her. Ask about her hobbies, her weekend plans, and her family. Be open and curious. 4 Even in the best professional situations, you shouldn't rely on your boss for all of your development needs. But a new manager will almost certainly have something useful to teach you. Perhaps he's a sales whiz, a brilliant marketing strategist, or has great technical chops. Transient bosses may not be in the best position to mentor and coach, especially when it comes to navigating the organization. They do often bring novel information—a new background, new experiences, and new perspectives. They can allow you to see your work with fresh eyes. 5 One bright spot of the frequent management switches: the number of senior managers who can vouch for your work increases. That's why it's smart to treat even short-term bosses as part of your growing professional network. The networks can be helpful to you down the road in ways you can't always foresee. Even if you decide it's too much work to stay in touch with all of them, never badmouth your current boss to your old boss.