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Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I report to a female director, and call her by her first name, as she calls me by mine. My lowest level subordinate also calls her by her first name. There is no need for formality addressing superiors in the office. I also call the CEO by his first name.
Ms. {Last Name} in a stuffy environment, {First Name} in a less stuffy environment. Ms. is generally safe. Even if you get one of those types that must be called Mrs. they'll just correct you and then you know.
I report to a female director, and call her by her first name, as she calls me by mine. My lowest level subordinate also calls her by her first name. There is no need for formality addressing superiors in the office. I also call the CEO by his first name.
It depends on where you work and the environment. I have worked in an informal environment where it was "encouraged" to call the boss by their first name and have worked in the opposite where Ma'am/Mrs./ Ms. was required. If the environment has a mixed requirement, I would rather call everyone (in power) by the appropriate title (Mr. or Ms.). I have no problems with titles since I come from a military background.
Also, you might simply ask your supervisors/boss how the prefer to be addressed. I wouldn't refer to them by their job title....but by their first name if they say that is alright to do....or their last name....Ms. Blank.....Mrs. Blank. Not Mrs. Blank, Director.
I've worked in both formal and informal type atmospheres. One location the male boss was addressed as Mr. Blank....another job the female supervisor was simply Joan.
Last edited by JanND; 08-16-2017 at 05:14 AM..
Reason: edit text
It really depends on the environment you work in. I'd say 95% of the places the first name would be fine. I think terms like "boss" "ma'am", sir, etc. are often done in a more informal way. I'll often address someone as sir or ma'am without even thinking of it. Just as I may say "sup' boss" to my staff (and they would do the same).
I think MD/PhD's are the only one's I address as such if they are working in that capacity. And perhaps official posts in politics, Law enforcement, military, etc.
You might try asking, "What would you like me to call you?"
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