In what form do you prefer communications? Spoken in person, spoken on the phone, written briefs, written detailed reports, e-mails? (This is a critical one-be sure you're comfortable with the answer.)

How do you express satisfaction or appreciation? (If he/she appears uncomfortable with this one, you might be facing a job in which your achievements go unacknowledged and unappreciated.)

How do you handle conflict? (If he/she replies with the equivalent of "openly and directly and immediately," that's great. If, on the other hand, he/she denies the existence of conflict in the organization, run for the door.)

What should I do if you become angry? (A mature individual will respond with something reasonable, such as, "Just leave the room and let me finish blowing off steam-and give me the opportunity to apologize later." Any response that implies that you should endure verbal abuse in silence is unacceptable.)

Do you have any idiosyncrasies that I should know about? (Leaving early Tuesdays to play Whist with some old cronies is one thing; standing on the conference table and berating people while stomping is quite another.)

What are the ground rules for calling you at home? (Make careful notes and follow them.)

About what moral or ethical issues do you have strong feelings? (Are they in sync with your own? Can you respect and accommodate them?)

What should I do if I think my work puts me in an ethical bind? (Suggestions that you should forget it won't work. You're after an invitation to have a serious discussion.)

Do you accept rough drafts or do you want everything in complete, final form?

How much do you want to know about a problem? (Full details, rough outline, bottom line, or something in between?)

What period of the day do you prefer to get information? (Whatever it is, prepare to respect it.)

How much social interaction do you want me to have with you? (Make sure you're comfortable with the response to this one.)

How should I address you? (Whatever the response, respect it.)