Proper way to end conversation with the big boss man?

Question

Is it rude to end a casual one on one conversation with the GM of the company with a "ok, take it easy" as he is walking out and has just said "see ya later"? I got a co-worker that thinks I was rude and that you dont talk to SOME people that way.
I dont think the GM thought anything about it. I dont see that as being disrespectful. Anyway just wanted some opinions.
thanks

Answer 1

If the GM said "See ya later" he was being informal with you. Saying "Take it easy" is acceptable, in my opinion. It may not have been appropriate to say "aight, bro-peace" but I think you are okay with take it easy.

And if the GM was not offended in any way, and you felt the sentiment appropriate, you should not be concerned with what your co-worker has to say.

Answer 2

I think the way you handled it was just fine. You took your cue from the GM: He was casual, so you were too. Now, if the conversation started because you walked up and asked him a question, I think it would have been a good idea to thank him for his time.

It sounds like you have a great GM where you work, one who is comfortable being one of they guys, rather than constantly trying to impress people with how important he is.

Answer 3

I think youre fine so long as you feel comfortable with how the situation went....that co-worker doesnt understand the context of the conversation most likely....if you wanted to step up the "respect" or formality level you might just say, "alright, thanks for your time"...but if the conversation is casual and not work-related then, go with what feels comfortable DURING the conversation...it's hard to end a conversation with a pre-planned goodbye....awkward!

Answer 4

Depends on your relationship, do you see him all the time? Do you work directly for him? If not a little more formality may be appropriate. Something like "Thankyou for your time I appreciate it." On the other hand if you see him every day or you work directly for him informality is a sign of friendship and reflects a sense of easy comoraderie. Either way you did nothing wrong- Its merely a situation you can improve upon the next time! Good Luck!

Answer 5

If he said "see ya later" then "take it easy" was an okay repsonse. I don't think you were horribly rude or anything.

Ideally, even if he's casual, though, you still want to remain a little more professional than him, because you're not equals. Something to the effect of "Thanks. Have a good day" would have been a little more appropriate.

Answer 6

No, that would only be rude in Nazi Germany. Nowadays in the US work culture we've become very casual (have you seen the way people dress lately?), and that helps become more familiar with superiors and to be able to interact with them more easily. Saying "have a good day" or "good talking to you" is fine, but you don't want to become crass and utter something like "smell you later" or "take it sleazy".

Answer 7

I think if he said "See ya later" first and you replied with "okay, take it easy" that is fine because he ended the conversation casually first which dicates a casual response. It wouldn't make sense to say "Yes, I will see you later." or something stupid like that in a formal way to his "see ya later"

Answer 8

Maybe a thank you sir would be suffice but I don't think the GM thought any less of you. Your co worker is probably just jealous

Answer 9

If it is a casual conversation, there is no reason that you couldn't end it "See you later," of course if it were in a meeting type scenario, you would professionally depart by saying, "Thank you for your time."

Answer 10

Its not rude its too much to assume he's now your 'pal' You likely will not see him later at the country club or wherever. He has perhaps forgotten your name by breakfast tomorrow so don't be such a suckup to authority. Is it a conservative thing going on here?