Making Small Talk With the Boss

Not everyone has the gift of gab when it comes to small talk, those small moments of chit-chat used to fill silent spaces between two people. Seemingly meaningless conversations with others may actually benefit your professional career as you build your network, interview for jobs and earn promotions for your current position. Discover some practical tips for talking to your boss when you spontaneously see him during your workday.

1. Notice the Signs

Small talk begins with the first spoken word. Before you speak, notice your supervisor's body language. Does he seem cheerful, friendly and open or upset, mad and closed? Are his arms crossed in front of him, on his hips in an aggressive posture or leisurely at his sides? A furrowed brow doesn't necessarily mean he's angry; he could just be deep in thought. Notice how he acts around your co-workers to gauge his body language and what it means.

2. Remember He's Human

Your boss is just as human as the next person and just as human as yourself. He has issues, worries, concerns, aspirations and ambitions. If he seems upset, try not to take it personally, because you have no idea what made him emotional in the first place. In this case, small talk offers you an opportunity to ask if your manager needs help.

3. Keep the Conversation Going

Know how to keep the conversation going when it comes to small talk. There's a good chance the first question he asks you is "How are you?" Your response should be something like, "Fine, and you?" That gets your supervisor talking again.

4. Talk About Their Accomplishments

People love to talk about themselves. Bring up your manager's accomplishments, achievements or awards as a way to start talking. Find common ground by speaking about mutual friends, college experiences, industry trends or the latest company report.

5. Remain Unequivocally Pleasant

Have you ever had lunch at Chick-fil-A? The employees there are always pleasant, no matter what. They always smile, ask you your first name and say, "It's my pleasure to serve you today." You can do the same by always remaining pleasant with your supervisor when you make small talk.

6. Speak About Vacation

Did your manager just get back from vacation? Talk about that. Ask about where he went, what the weather was like, what he and his family did, and what happened during the car ride or plane flight.

7. Solve a Problem

One safe bet for talking with your manager is to keep the conversation about work. Problem-solve an upcoming project or report. Talk about how to break through the latest research and development snafu or a difficult sales lead. Bounce a few ideas off of your supervisor to see if he is receptive to some new idea or new innovation. Your idle conversation could lead to a promotion in the future thanks to your devotion to work.

Small talk serves a very important purpose at work. It's what helps make things happen regarding sharing ideas, solving problems and getting to the heart of someone's motivations. Try one of these techniques the next time you're with your manager in the break room or elevator, and see what happens.

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