I don't mind either way, but very, VERY occasionally I have been known to ask whether I can arrange for him to go somewhere - a nice conference or something to occupy him for a few days.  Then he knows he needs to back off a bit and let me complete whatever I'm working on.  We have a generally excellent relationship which is businesslike and professional, but it's also laced with good humour and fun.  Our company is quite fast-paced and I am usually chasing my tail.  One of these days I will pass myself coming back!

When Bossie is out and about, I can always get in touch by email or phone and he returns my emails and calls very promptly.  I have a certain level of authority to deal with matters so can make decisions.  If I email or call, he knows it is only because the matter is urgent.  If he is out of country for a prolonged period, then the same applies, but I also have a "war council" of Board members to whom I can turn if really important things crop up that I can't deal with.