Org thrash, new manager, new projects - How to adapt to a hectic work landscape?

This feels like an exercise in prioritization. Do you have a reliable list of all your TODOs, or are you tracking them in your head? Once you have it written down, you can reflect with a clear head about how you want to split up your week to handle all the tasks, and incorporate feedback from your manager.

One way to turn the tumult in your org into opportunity is to fill the information void that exists. The confusion you're feeling about projects or tooling is likely shared by many others. Perhaps you could create explainers or context on various initiatives.

Any pro tips on how to forge relations with a new manager ( do's & don'ts)?

Do:

• Come into 1 on 1 meetings prepared (i.e. set the agenda) and on time
• Overcommunicate - There is no such thing as a manager knowing too much about what you're doing or being too proud of your accomplishments
• Proactively seek feedback and treat it as a gift (especially when you feel like you're struggling with something)
• Try to get to know them as a person and be genuinely interested in how their life is going overall
• Be unafraid of being vulnerable and sharing your problems

Don't:

• Realize that your manager 1 on 1 is happening in 5 minutes and then stroll in completely unprepared like a deer caught in the headlights
• Assume your manager knows everything about how you're doing (emotional state, accomplishments, etc)
• Be defensive with feedback you don't agree with
• Use your meetings to just share status updates and ask for more work (this is shallow)
• Curl up into a ball when times are tough and share even less with your manager instead of more

Pretty much just follow all the advice here: [Masterclass] How To Work Better With Your Engineering Manager

Here's another good discussion about working with a new manager: "Transition period with old manager and working with a new interim manager"

This might be a bit too senior for you, but I feel like there's still some good applicable learnings here: [Case Study] Becoming A Tech Lead Again In Just 1 Month After Joining Robinhood From Meta

curl up into a ball when times are tough and share even less with your manager instead of more.. that's so me.. OMG! I am doing it all wrong..

Excellent suggestion, Rahul, on filling the information void. Any pro tips on how to forge relations with a new manager ( do's & don'ts) ?

curl up into a ball when times are tough and share even less with your manager instead of more.. that's so me.. OMG! I am doing it all wrong..

Don't worry, you'll get there someday, especially with the help of Taro on your side 😄