Tips To Be More Social With Your Boss

Its kind of practical tip and it works well too... just to make sure that "education is not wasted"

So how do you go from being Joe Employee to right-hand man? Check out these tips, and learn how to get in good with the powers that be.


1- Ask about his family

How to do it: It seems like a cliché, but your boss really will appreciate it if you demonstrate that you remember the names of significant others, spouses and children.
What to say: The next time he mentions his wife or his son, slip the relative's actual name into the conversation. Follow up on old conversations you've had about his family and ask how his son is doing in Little League, for example.

The limitations: Don't overdo it. If you ask about the family too often, your boss might find it invasive, or worse yet, a little creepy.


2- Discover your common interests

How to do it: Try to uncover something -- anything -- that you and your boss are both interested in. Does he have a tennis racket or set of golf clubs resting in the corner of his office? Is there a book about photography sitting on the shelf? Just keep your eyes and ears open. People have all types of passions and hobbies, so there's bound to be some interests you share.

What to say: Once you know what it is you have in common, give some subtle hints that the interest is mutual. Leave a copy of Golf Digest prominently displayed on your desk. Or mention that you're planning to catch the new photography exhibit downtown.

The limitations: Don't force yourself or pretend to be interested in something you're not. Most people can see right through that, and it reeks of brown-nosing.

3- Talk about the weekend

How to do it: Inquire about your boss' weekend, and before you know it, you'll be part of those weekend plans.

What to say: Come Fridays, get in the habit of asking your boss what he has planned for the weekend. And get in the habit of asking how his weekend went on Monday morning. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions about what he did, if he told you before the weekend.

The limitations: Don't get too personal. If, for some reason, your boss seems to be avoiding the question, take the hint.


4- Encourage invitations

How to do it: It might be too forward to ask your boss to join you for drinks straight out. But you can start by dropping subtle hints about where you're headed after work.

What to say: Talk about where you usually go for happy hour, or be sure to mention when you're making a trip to the coffee shop. You don't need to invite him out for coffee, but you can offer to bring him something back.

The limitations: Subtlety is key. If you make it obvious that you're fishing for an invitation, you'll probably never get one.

Offer him some food, find out when he works out and make the guy laugh…


5- Offer him snacks you bring from home

How to do it: Did your wife bake a cake? Do you have appetizing leftovers from the gourmet dinner you cooked the other night? Bring these types of things to the office more often, and offer them to your boss.

What to say: Just offer something to your boss the next time you're snacking at your desk as he walks by.

The limitations: It's fairly obvious, but only offer him food that tastes good. You don't want to put your boss in the awkward position of having to be polite.


6- Exercise with your boss

How to do it: Take note of your boss' workout routine, and try to adopt parts of it yourself.

What to say: If you visit the gym at the office, then this is a no-brainer: simply schedule your workouts to coincide with his. Even if you don't have a gym at the office, you can mention in passing the route you run or bike through on the weekends, and encourage him to join you.

The limitations: Some people prefer to work out alone. If your boss gives the signal that he or she likes to go solo, lay off.


7- Be more informal in your e-mail

How to do it: Use a friendlier, more casual and conversational tone in e-mail exchanges.

What to say: Sign off with words like "thanks" or "best," instead of "regards." And leave out salutations like "dear" and "to."

The limitations: Only set this tone if your boss has already done it with you. The surest way to know if your boss is okay with this type of informality is if he uses it first.


8- Become an expert

How to do it: Become an expert on a subject that's useful to your boss -- be it work-related or otherwise -- and it will encourage him or her to approach you more often with questions, which can be a great starting point for conversations.

What to say: Offer your boss advice, but stay modest. No one likes a know-it-all or show-off.

The limitations: Always remain professional -- offer your thoughts only when you're asked. There's a fine line between being helpful and being annoying.


9- Have a good sense of humor

How to do it: Above all, show your boss what a funny guy you can be. Everyone loves to laugh, and we all tend to surround ourselves with people who can make us laugh.

What to say: Make jokes and funny observations whenever an opportunity presents itself. (Just make sure they're actually funny).

The limitations: Keep things tasteful. Trust your instincts about jokes that your boss may find inappropriate or offensive.

credit to el_zafa from ehoza.com here