Business travel is stressful. The stress is even more when you travel with your boss. When traveling with your boss, you have to be more efficient and competent. Your boss expects you to exhibit expertise and skills in ways you’ve never shown her. Here are some of the tips that will make traveling with your boss easier.
Plan
Take time to prepare for the trip to ensure that everything flows smoothly. If there are things you intend to use while away or during the trip, make arrangements to have them availed in advance. Essentially, you have to take care of all logistics. For instance, make car and hotel reservations. Also gather all necessary information in relation to your trip.
Avoid Checking Your Bag
Unless your boss tends to check his bag, don’t check yours. This will enable you to save money, time and enhance convenience. But, if your boss tends to check his bag, it’s fine to check yours too. Additionally, carry a bag that fits in the airline guidelines. This will enable you to lift your bag into overhead bins.
Don’t Fear Sitting Close to Your Boss
In most cases, business travelers don’t like sitting by their coworkers when flying whether colleagues, superiors or direct reports. Additionally, it’s unlikely to have tickets bought separately together.
Maintain a Productive Look
If you seat together with your boss, make him see you working. Maintain a productive look especially if the boss is also working. If you can’t work, avoid controversial magazines or book titles.
Avoid Gossip
You can feel comfortable to speak freely after attending meetings during the day or having a long dinner. However, restrain your conversation to professional matters. Don’t give your boss the idea that you love gossiping about coworkers.
In addition to these tips, follow the lead of your boss. The goal is to appear competent and professional. Be observant and make sure that the boss gets the best impression of you throughout the trip.