Are you supposed to be friendly and talkative or polite and formal? I've only had one boss and she was super friendly and open, but I know the other ones at my work were more difficult to read. Like they don't want to seem satisfied because they don't want you to become complacent?
I know they're not there to "be your friend" but are you always supposed to fear them or avoid getting into deep conversations unless they ask or even if they ask?
I don't want my next managers to think that I'm unfriendly but also I don't want to annoy them with trivial things.
2007-09-21 13:07:55 · 25 answers · asked by apocalypso 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Depends. I work at a veterinary hospital and have been at the same place for over 11 years. I feel very comfortable around my boss and we get along great. I have no problems telling him how I feel and vice versa. I see him more than I see my husband! LOL! But we are both very open people and talk alot, and we are also not afraid to share our feelings. I guess it depends. I dont think I could work for someone who I was afraid of, I would need to be happy and surrounded by happy people.
2007-09-21 14:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by CHELIFAN24 THE CUP IS HOME!!!!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be friendly and polite, but try to stay away from personal conversations as to what is really going on after work. I have a boss right now that I am very friendly with and sometimes wish that I would have kept more of a business approach.
2007-09-21 13:11:33 · answer #2 · answered by jelly tots 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best to ask your boss. In most cases, you can't go wrong with, sir, ma'am, Mr. or Mrs. (insert last name). If you boss prefers otherwise, he or she will let you know. Sometimes even if you are friendly with your boss and call each other by first names, your boss may feel more comfortable being addressed by last name in a professional setting in front of customers or clients. For example, if you were a patient in the doctors office, is seems more professional if you were to hear the office staff ask "when should I have the patient follow up with you, Dr. Smith?" rather than "when should the patient see you again, Bob?"
2007-09-21 13:19:13 · answer #3 · answered by rod85 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb that seems to work best, is to confine your conversation to work related items. That can include things in the news that might affect your particular field of business. But the boss doesn't want you to get 'chummy' - at least, most bosses don't, because it is difficult to reprimand someone whose work isn't up to par. It can also influence how the boss looks at you - you might seem on the surface to be a very good employee, but is s/he going to wonder whether you are that chatty outside the office -- and if so, what secrets are you giving away.
So the best attitude is friendly but very much work related. If the boss sets a friendlier tone, you can adjust your behavior accordingly, but let him/her make the first move.
2007-09-21 13:17:02 · answer #4 · answered by old lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your boss should "set the mood". He decides what you should call him, you may need to ask. He decides whether a friendly, personal relationship is what he wants, not you. So follow your bosses lead. Of course, it's best if you are always friendly, but be careful about how personal you get until you feel him out a bit. I had a female boss once who jumped me terribly for just asking "What did you do over the weekend?" And often personal questions about husband/wife and family are taken to be too intrusive, so wait and follow the boss' lead.
2007-09-21 14:43:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bosses are just people. As such, each one will have their own expectations.I've always been good about being social with my bosses, even up to going for drinks after work and the like. But during business hours, it's business. If you even think that being friendly with the boss will get you out of trouble then you're fooling yourself and are really just going to hurt your career... And if your boss plays along, his or her career as well.
By acting in a professional manner when appropriate, and accepting responsibility for your actions and mistakes, there is no reason you can't be friendly with your boss. That is, of course, presuming they want to be friendly with you.
2007-09-21 13:12:41 · answer #6 · answered by Crypt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally find that unacceptable. You need to speak to hr or whoever his boss is and tell them what's been goin on. It's possible he has some kind of condition and he's just so use to doing it he doesn't realize he's doing it half the time. Like I said talk to someone, I would hope he's not doing that if you work at a place where business people come in. They would be appalled.
2016-05-20 05:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've received some wonderful answers. Each boss is different. It depends on the timing. If you're talking about a problem, the mood is more formal. If you're riding the elevator or walking in from the parking lot, the conversation will be lighter.
2007-09-21 18:13:15 · answer #8 · answered by June B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question...
And the not so great answer is: It depends.
As you've already found out, bosses (like people) are different. Some encourage being open and friendly, a first name basis... some want to keep things cold and distant, and for you to call them "mr" or "mrs" so and so.
My advice is to go with your gut. Sometimes a smile goes a long way, cant hurt to try it once.
Also, use co-workers you trust as guides. Watch them or better yet ask them, how so and so likes to be treated.
2007-09-21 13:14:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
to a boss or manager you should be polite and formal but not too formal. conversations with them should be easy but not too open. if you and your boss become the best of friends then work can become a little less important because you think because they are your friend you can get away with things. in other words, treat them the way they treat you
2007-09-21 13:13:19 · answer #10 · answered by CaliGirl07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋