Navigating a Management Shift: How to Stay True to Yourself When Work Gets Tough

I recently sat down with a client who’s going through a major change at work. Her company is experiencing a management shift, and she’s feeling all the emotions—uncertainty, frustration, and even a little fear. She knows her working style is different from her new manager’s, and she’s not sure how to proceed. It’s a situation that many of us have faced at some point in our careers. Change is hard, especially when it feels like it’s being imposed on us.

As we talked through her concerns, I asked her to make a list of things she could do when things get tense. Her first item on the list?

Lay on the kitchen floor—cry if you need to.

Now, if that doesn’t capture the rawness of navigating workplace challenges, I don’t know what does. And honestly? It’s not a bad strategy. Giving yourself permission to feel your emotions—to be human—is a powerful first step. From there, you can start to move forward with intention. Let’s unpack how to handle a management shift and maintain your sense of self through the process.

1. Feel Your Feelings (Yes, Even the Messy Ones)

The kitchen floor moment is real. When change hits, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Maybe it’s the loss of a manager you trusted, the uncertainty of a new leadership style, or the pressure to adapt. Whatever it is, don’t suppress it. Feeling your feelings is not weakness—it’s strength.

Find a space where you can process. Maybe it’s your kitchen floor, a long walk, or a journal entry. The goal is to acknowledge what you’re feeling without judgment. Once you’ve given those emotions room to breathe, you’ll find it easier to focus on actionable steps.

2. Get Clear on Your Strengths

One of the best ways to navigate a new manager is to lean into what makes you uniquely valuable. Take some time to reflect on your strengths. What do you consistently bring to the table? What feedback have you received in the past about your contributions?

By identifying your strengths, you can approach the management shift with confidence. Instead of trying to mold yourself into what you think your new manager wants, you can show up authentically and focus on delivering value in your own way.

3. Research Your New Manager’s Style

While staying true to yourself is important, understanding your new manager’s style can help you find common ground. What’s their communication style? Do they prefer detailed updates or high-level summaries? Are they more hands-on or hands-off?

If you have access to colleagues who’ve worked with your new manager, ask them for insights. You might also pick up cues from your initial interactions. Paying attention to their preferences shows that you’re invested in building a good working relationship.

4. Communicate Early and Often

Open communication is key during a management shift. Don’t wait for your new manager to guess what you need or how you work best—be proactive. Schedule a one-on-one to discuss expectations, priorities, and how you can work together effectively.

During this conversation, share your working style and ask about theirs. For example, you might say, “I’ve found that I work best when I have clear deadlines and feedback along the way. How do you typically prefer to give updates and share progress?”

Framing the conversation as a two-way dialogue helps establish trust and sets the tone for collaboration.

5. Build a Toolbox for Stressful Moments

When tensions arise—and let’s be honest, they will—it’s helpful to have strategies ready to go. That’s where the list comes in. Take some time to brainstorm what helps you de-stress and recenter when work feels overwhelming.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Step away for a quick walk or stretch.

• Write down your thoughts to organize your mind.

• Call a trusted friend or mentor for perspective.

• Use a grounding technique, like deep breathing.

• Yes, lay on the kitchen floor if you need to!

The point is to have go-to options that help you reset, so you can return to work with a clear head.

6. Find Your Allies

You don’t have to navigate a management shift alone. Look for allies within your organization—colleagues who understand the dynamics and can offer support. Maybe it’s someone who’s been through a similar change or someone whose judgment you trust.

Building a support system can help you feel less isolated and give you a sounding board for challenges and ideas.

7. Embrace Adaptability Without Losing Yourself

Adapting to a new manager doesn’t mean abandoning who you are. It’s about finding ways to align your strengths with their expectations. Think of it like a dance: you’re learning how to move together without losing your rhythm.

Be open to feedback and willing to try new approaches, but don’t compromise on your core values or boundaries. Finding that balance takes practice, but it’s worth the effort.

8. Focus on the Bigger Picture

When you’re in the thick of a management shift, it can feel all-consuming. Take a step back and remind yourself of the bigger picture. What are your long-term goals? How does this role fit into your career path?

Keeping your eyes on your larger purpose can help put temporary challenges into perspective. This shift is just one chapter in your story, not the whole book.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

In times of change, even small victories deserve to be celebrated. Maybe you had a productive conversation with your new manager, or you handled a tense situation with grace. Acknowledge those moments and give yourself credit for navigating a tough transition.

Celebrating wins, no matter how small, helps build momentum and reinforces your resilience.

10. Give Yourself Grace

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. Adjusting to a new manager is a process, and it’s okay if it’s not perfect right away. You’re learning, growing, and doing the best you can—and that’s enough.

The Bottom Line

Change is never easy, but it’s also an opportunity to grow. By giving yourself space to process, staying grounded in your strengths, and approaching the transition with an open mind, you can navigate a management shift with confidence. And hey, if laying on the kitchen floor is part of your process, more power to you. Sometimes, that’s exactly where you need to be before you get up and move forward.

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