Travels with the boss - FT.com A long plane, train or car journey with your boss is both a career opportunity and a minefield. How do you ensure your trip takes you to the right place? What are the issues? Spending many hours at close quarters with someone from work - on a night flight you may wind up sleeping next to your boss - changes the context. "In the office, the power dynamic is very well defined," says Hazel Carter-Showell of business psychologists CarterCorson. In a different environment, where perhaps you have a few drinks, boundaries can blur. It can be an opportunity to deepen your relationship and see each other in more human terms. What should I talk about? "If you discover an interest you share, the time will fly by," says Ms Carter-Showell. If you're unsure what your boss is interested in, ask questions. Work is a starting point but don't assume your boss wants to talk about business and nothing else. Have some work just in case your boss doesn't want to chat and take a book, too - but one to read rather than to impress. What should I avoid? Don't get drunk and stay away from topics such as religion and politics. Also, don't bend your manager's ear about workplace problems. "For the boss there's nothing worse," warns Ms Carter-Showell. What if it gets awkward? If you hear your boss talking to members of their family - especially cutesy talk to children or spouses - be discreet and ignore it. If the boss expounds strong views, Ms Carter-Showell says: "Acknowledge their right to hold that view, without agreeing. Use the word "and" not "but" as it's less confrontational." If it gets uncomfortable "steer the conversation back to safer topics, humorously at first, but more firmly, if necessary."