Dear Bob ... I work for one of those companies whose IT department is staffed by only two people, a programmer and me. Right now, we have a champion to provide the resources necessary to effect business change. This champion is my boss, the Executive Vice-President of the company. While I have a say in prioritizing our projects, my boss makes the final decisions in that area. So, to sum all Dear Bob …I work for one of those companies whose IT department is staffed by only two people, a programmer and me. Right now, we have a champion to provide the resources necessary to effect business change. This champion is my boss, the Executive Vice-President of the company. While I have a say in prioritizing our projects, my boss makes the final decisions in that area. So, to sum all that up, my boss is currently identifying targets for business change and, basically, running IT.My boss, however, is scheduled for retirement in two years. He will most likely be replaced by our current controller, who is not nearly as prone to micro-managing as my current boss. So, I may have more freedom to run IT, but possibly at a cost of losing the commitment of resources that I enjoy under my present boss. Any advice on how to ensure that I get the resources I need from my next boss? And how and whether or not to approach my current boss about my concerns?– Concerned about the transitionDear Concerned … The answer to your first question is, I think, staring both of us in the face: The best avenue you have for a smooth transition to your reporting relationship with the controller is your current boss. I’d say you should schedule some time to talk about the coming transition and how to make it as effective as possible.As usual, start with a compliment: “You and I have worked together long enough that we can finish each others’ sentences, so I don’t have to give you all the background and details every time a situation comes up. In a couple of years, you’ll be on the golf course and I’ll be starting over with Fred. What should the two of us be doing now so when you leave for the first tee, Fred and I are in a position to work together effectively?”Your goal isn’t to put a lot of monkey onto your boss’s back, but to create a situation in which he tasks you and the current controller to spend time together creating the right relationship and expectations. Only come out and say this yourself, though, if your boss doesn’t figure out that it’s what he should suggest (or if he doesn’t suggest something better). You are, by the way, smart to start greasing the wheels now. If you waited until the event it would be too late.– Bob ——– Technology Industry