How to Befriend a Boss

Sometimes the most difficult friend to make is the one who provides your annual review and signs your paycheck. It's important to have a positive relationship with your boss, but you walk a fine line between being a courteous employee and a complete brownnoser. There's a right and a wrong way to befriend your boss. Learn how to develop this relationship to benefit your career.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Think of your boss as a regular person rather than as an authority figure. Chances are, your boss wants to like the people he or she works with just as you do. Developing a friendship with your boss simply requires interacting on a mature level.

2. Show your boss that you're a good person, not just a good employee. Managers promote people they know and like, making friendship a golden step along the corporate ladder.

3. Meet up with your boss outside of the office. Find something you have in common and join up for a drink and round of racquetball or golf, or another social activity. These activities focus on camaraderie, not authority, which creates a different type of relationship.

4. Talk to you boss about topics he or she is interested in. Managers, like everyone else, get tired of talking about work all of the time. Instead, initiate conversations based on their favorite hobby or vacation spot. People are happy talking about their passions.

5. Notice the details. Mention your boss' alma mater when you see it mentioned in the news, ask how the little one's birthday party went, or how he or she spent the past weekend.

6. Meet their spouse. Making a good impression on a spouse can be a great move; your boss likely complains about work-related items to him or her, so having an ally and positive reference can keep you on the A-list.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't become so close to your boss that when he or she has a problem, you become a confidant--or emotional crutch.
• Don't ever discuss employee or company gossip with your supervisor.
• Don't reveal too much about your personal life to your boss. Never tell a manager something you wouldn't tell your grandmother.

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