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Relationships with bosses
04-18-2016, 07:14 AM
Hi, any advice on building relationships with bosses or superiors at a workplace?
Been working out of my home for a couple years and have slacked off on my awareness of office politics; at my job I communicate via a chatroom with others at the company, rather than working in an actual building or office where conversation would naturally occur.
Sometimes my superiors show up in the chat, but I'd feel that sending them a personal message or email like they're a "FB buddy" would be inappropriate.
What would you guys say the appropriate boundaries are and how to try to build rapport with a superior without seeming like a brown noser? Have any of your worked out of your home and had a similar experience to share?
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Relationships with bosses
04-18-2016, 12:11 PM
It's difficult if not nigh impossible to build rapport through a chatroom. If you want to build strong political connections, you need to be onsite. As they say, out of sight, out of mind.
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Relationships with bosses
04-23-2016, 11:41 AM
Yeah, at my last job we used the chatroom feature, which was kind of annoying, since this one woman would always send me personal messages and then give me a call on the office line from across the room. Anyway, I've gone out to dinner with my boss a few times, along with other co-workers. I'm 24, he's 56, and he's a pretty cool guy. I've talked about my girlfriend, where I'm working out, where I'm planning to travel next. I sail a bit, as he did when he was young, so it's a safe talking point. He's a pretty conservative, red pill guy with a 21 year old daughter who lives at home (she's pretty cute), so I'm certain we're on the same page, thought wise.
If your boss sucks, then just grab food or a drink after work two or three times a year and discuss hobbies.
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Relationships with bosses
04-23-2016, 11:45 AM
Also, it depends on where you're working and if you're planning on staying in that field. I'm in real estate, so I've gone to a bunch of networking events and I've joined certain organizations, such as green organizations, organizations which promote LEED certified buildings, and a few others. Really, just having something in common on that level helps. If you're a data analyst or something and if you can't wait to move on, well, I can't help you and you should probably spend more time look for another job rather than networking with your boss.
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Relationships with bosses
04-23-2016, 10:57 PM
What kind of workplace? Makes a HUGE difference. At a lot of jobs it will be regardef as odd. At most high tier white collar jobs( anything you'd need to go to a top tier school to get into) its expected that you will actively network up. Some of you all will recognize instantly who I'm talking about here but one firm I interviewe form actually want their LDP hired to track their networking and count it against you if you aren't meeting someone new every week.