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Why is it that the hardest friend to make is the very person who signs your pay cheque? Everyone wants to have a good relationship with their boss but there is a very thin line between being a good employee and what most would call a brownnoser.

Now, there are right and wrong ways when attempting to build a rapport with your boss, starting with thinking of them as another person rather than somebody in a position of authority. Deep down (very deep down for some), your boss what their employees to like them just as much as you want to like them so theoretically it should be easy. Everybody can interact maturely on a social level can't they?

The best way to develop some sort of rapport with your boss is to show them that you are a good person on a personal level as well as at a professional level. This is not to say that you should instantly start working for UNICEF but managers tend to promote people who they feel are liked within the company and who they think they know. Developing a friendship can be a very smart career move.

One thing to remember is that there are always boundaries. Creating a rapport is great but don't start treating your boss like they are your best buddy and this is only guaranteed to end in tears. However, perhaps on occasions it would be nice to suggest that you partner up with your boss outside of the office perhaps for a round of golf or maybe a quick drink after work of an evening. I'm sure if you keep digging there will be some common ground between you as at the end of the day you are both human as far as you know. This will start to build a relationship based around camaraderie as opposed to authority in a similar fashion to how most friendships are built.

A little trick that I've picked up over the last few years is to ask about the small things in life. I'm sure that you don't really care less about the bosses' daughter turning five at the weekend but pretend that you do. They will really appreciate it and after all, this is hoe friends outside of the workplace interact. Sports are always a great way to build any relationship. Once you find out who your boss supports, whether it be soccer, football, baseball or basketball, there is no end of banter to be had. The key is to be natural about it. Making a comment about their child turning five is great but don't come in the next day with a whole sack load of gifts like you've just held up Santa at the petrol station.

You know that you are heading in the right direction when the day comes

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