It's challenging to interpret someone's behavior without knowing the full context, but I can offer some possible explanations for why your boss might be tapping your shoulder and quickly walking away:
Playfulness: It's possible that your boss is being playful or trying to create a light-hearted interaction with you. Some people have a quirky sense of humor and may engage in such behavior as a way to amuse themselves or others.
Social interaction difficulty: In some cases, individuals might find it challenging to engage in direct face-to-face interactions, so they resort to less confronting gestures like tapping on the shoulder and then walking away quickly.
Avoidance of formal communication: Your boss may prefer to avoid formal or lengthy conversations and finds it more comfortable to have brief, informal interactions instead.
Trying to get your attention: If your boss needs to communicate something to you but doesn't want to interrupt you fully, tapping your shoulder might be their way of indicating they have something to say or need your attention without being intrusive.
Establishing authority or camaraderie: Sometimes, people in positions of authority may use casual gestures to establish rapport or assert their position without being overly authoritative.
To understand the true meaning behind your boss's behavior, you might consider the following steps:
Observe the pattern: Pay attention to when and how often your boss does this. If it happens consistently in certain situations, it may give you more insights into their intentions.
Context matters: Consider the overall dynamics of your relationship with your boss and the workplace culture. Is there a pattern of casual interactions? Is your boss generally approachable, or is this behavior unusual for them?
Ask directly: If you feel comfortable doing so, consider having a private and respectful conversation with your boss. Express your curiosity about the shoulder tapping and ask if there's any specific reason behind it.
Seek feedback from others: If you have colleagues who are also experiencing similar interactions, talk to them about it. It might help you gain a broader perspective on the situation.
Remember that individual behaviors can be subjective and context-dependent. What might mean one thing in one situation could mean something entirely different in another. As such, maintaining open communication with your boss and colleagues is crucial for better understanding their intentions and fostering a positive working environment.