Connect with new owner – soon

Q: I am the public relations director for a group of radio stations. Out of the clear blue, we were bought by a wealthy television entrepreneur who has no experience in radio.

I immediately e-mailed him a brief overview of my background, to which he replied in a positive and professional way. However, I am concerned about my future. Can you offer any suggestions for enhancing my visibility and promoting my importance with the new owner?

A: Quickly making e-mail contact was a smart move. But since faceless people are easier to fire, you now must aim for a more personal connection.

First, do some research on your new boss. An online search should provide immediate information about his background. You may be able to get the inside scoop on his management style through your network of broadcasting contacts.

For a better understanding of his perspective, familiarize yourself with the norms and practices in the world of television. Managers always view a new organization through the lens of their prior experience.

To demonstrate your worth, you first must understand the new owner's goals for the business. Schedule a meeting to talk about his objectives. Once you know what he's trying to do, draft a public relations plan to show how you can help him get there.

You also can exhibit your value by providing background information that he might find helpful. Present facts, figures and historical data about the radio group in a concise, easily readable format.

Finally, accept the reality that change is coming. Try to view new policies and processes as "different," not "wrong." Your boss will appreciate an open mind and a positive attitude.

Some employees react to new management by immediately becoming critical and oppositional. Unfortunately, these folks often find themselves out on the street.

Q: I have a co-worker who copies my boss on every e-mail that she sends me. I can't imagine why she does this. When I send e-mails, I copy only people who actually need the information. What do you think is going on here?

A: Because everyone is swamped with e-mail these days, people who overuse the "cc" line risk aggravating those they hope to inform.

Managers should be copied only when there is a specific benefit to be gained.

Here are some legitimate reasons for copying higher-ups: to provide necessary updates on projects or problems; to offer an opportunity for comment before action is taken; or to escalate an issue to the next level.

Because I lack psychic abilities, I can't divine your co-worker's true intentions.

She might be naive about proper e-mail etiquette.

She may have paranoid tendencies that drive her to document her every move. Perhaps she hopes to impress your boss or get you in trouble.

By observing her other behaviors, you should be able to determine whether her motives are self-serving, sinister or silly.

Q: In my job, I see many job applicants who pay great attention to their grooming, clothes and image. But if they are smokers, they smell terrible.

These people don't seem to realize what a big strike this is against them in an interview. I can stand three feet from a smoker and almost gag with the odor from his or her clothes. Never mind his or her breath.

So many applicants have no clue that their unpleasant smell negates the perfect outfit and résumé. Would you please educate your readers about this?

A: You make an excellent point. Most smokers are not aware of the lingering odor on their hair and clothing.

So if you smoke, be sure to have your last cigarette before dressing for the job interview. Otherwise, you may turn off a nonsmoking interviewer the moment you walk through the door.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.