How to Travel with Your Boss

Trade shows. Board Meetings. Corporate retreats. Sooner or later, you'll likely have to take a trip with your employer. Here are some strategies to make it easier on you, and maybe even help you get ahead!

Instructions

1

Plan ahead! Read up on softball news stories or topics of general interest for harmless conversation. On a plane with your boss? Bring reading material that makes it appear like you are always trying to hone your business/advertising/communication skills. Books like "The One Minute Manager" or "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" are good choices. Trashy novels, science fiction books or gossip magazines will make you look strange or shallow. NOTE: If you work in fashion or beauty, fashion magazines are acceptable.

2

Keep the conversation about your boss. This deflects any unwanted attention or exposure to your personal life. Ask you boss about her inspirations, why she chose the business, her first job out of college, etc. Don't ask about family, lovers or husbands. Keep it professional but friendly.

3

If your boss asks you a personal question, do not get too personal as it might work against you later. Deflect as quickly as possible. For example, if she directly asks you "So how's your love life?", say something like "I've been really focusing on myself lately, doing a lot of yoga... say, did you read the article in Health about..." and trail off onto some general health statistic or fitness craze. She'll get it and move on.

4

If your boss has a penchant for drinking do not join the party. Watch your alcohol intake and remove yourself from any situation that may cause you embarrassment the next day. Some high level executives love to let loose on the road--- you want to be neither a witness nor an accomplice to their mayhem!

5

Always thank your boss at the end of the trip. Point out something in detail that will make you look like you were really paying attention. Statements like "Thanks for getting us into the seminar on custom digital signage. The technology is inspiring. We should take it back to Marketing.", will make you look plugged in to the company's needs.