I am a line manager for a group of 8 software developers. Our team is great, and everybody is usually very happy and cheerful.
A couple times a month, my boss (the VP) comes into the office to check in on things and mingle with the team. When this happens, the team's demeanor visibly changes. They go from being cheerful and funny to being serious and nervous. Output goes down considerably, and a lot of people figure out they are "sick" at lunchtime, and need to go home.
Now, I have nothing against my boss. He's a good guy, and he means well, but definitely has a knack for making people feel uncomfortable. For instance, last week he came in and showed up at a developer's desk. He proceeded to say: "Nice sweater, I like the color. What fabric is that? Do you have a favorite shade of red? Do you like any other colors better? Where did you get it from? The Target on the corner of 1st and Main? How much did it cost? Did you use any coupons? Does Target even do coupons? Do you like coupons?"
He's just trying to be friendly, but it definitely leads for some awkward conversations. Personally, I don't mind, but it does concern me that my team is so bothered by his presence. Is this something I should bring up with my manager, and is there a polite way to do this? Or is it best to try to coach my team on being more friendly to my boss? Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.