Here's how to handle those inevitably awkward encounters with your boss

It happens to everyone: You're just about to duck out early from work or check your Facebook at your desk when you run into your boss.

There are certain unavoidable everyday social situations around the workplace that are made inevitably more awkward when they involve one of your superiors. 

With help from some New York improv actors, Fast Company takes a hilarious look at a handful of these dilemmas and shows you how to tactfully diffuse the tension -- or escalate it with some moves that are sure to dial the cringe factor up to 11 (not recommended).

So the next time you're walking towards your boss down a long hallway, don't try to clumsily point like the Fonz or furtively slip into a random conference room -- a simple smile and wave is all you need.

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