Before you lean your seat back and pop in your ear buds on your next business flight, think again, especially if your boss is sitting next to you. Rule number one for traveling with the boss: you are not on vacation. Even though you are not in the office, you are still on the job working, just in a different setting. Follow these tips to make, and maintain, a good impression throughout the trip:
- Dress appropriately. Choose your wardrobe with work in mind. Don't let your professional guard down when traveling, even when flying internationally or to the tropics. Opt for business casual rather than flip-flops and a t-shirt. If you are heading to a meeting as soon as the plane lands, prepare to travel in your meeting attire and shoes. Women, select a travel shoe that will allow you to survive long walks through the airport and lug your suitcase up a broken escalator. Consider packing an alternate pair of heels to change into when on the ground en route to the meeting.
For supervisors, business travel is a great time to observe how an employee represents the company outside of the office. For an employee, keeping your composure will go a long way toward showing your boss the competent, consummate professional you are.
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