Why Bonding With Your Boss Is The Best Career Move You Can Make

It’ll Make “That Talk” More Comfortable

You’ll be better positioned to ask for a raise, so think of it as professional development. “If you have that open dialogue with your boss and you feel free and welcome and invited to speak with them on a regular basis, then it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable for you to ask for a raise or for more training, because you’ve built that relationship,” Salemi said.

How do you pull this off? 

Keep It Real

While this is a purposeful move on your part, it’s still a relationship, so make sure you keep it genuine (co-workers can smell a sycophant from a mile away).

There are ways to bond with your supervisor without looking like a kiss-ass, as long as you genuinely want to establish a relationship with them.

Invite Them To Something Casual

“I don’t want to say be slick, but there’s a certain way to go about it,” Salemi said. This may not work for every type of office (or every boss), but if it feels right for you, ask them out to coffee, saying Starbucks is your favorite, or suggest a quick walk. “It doesn’t have to be about business,” Salemi added, so stick to lightly personal topics (without getting too personal). Ask them about their lives and open up yourself: How was your weekend? What’s your New Year’s Resolution? And offer yours.

“Just like the coworkers you enjoy hanging out with, you’re spending time with your boss because you enjoy their camaraderie,” Salemi said.