Having a positive relationship with your boss is paramount to your success at work. However, some employees take it a step further and actually suck up to their bosses.
Do they know something we don’t, or are they actually hurting themselves in the long run?
According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, entitled “When the Boss Feels Inadequate,” kissing up may indeed cause the boss to look at a particular employee more favorably; but it can actually harm the company because it can cause the boss to lose touch with reality. For a real-world example, just think of a celebrity surrounded by “yes” men.
But there are ways you can get on your boss’s good side, without going over the top. Here’s a look:
Be detail-oriented.
Sweat the small stuff, like proper spelling and grammar in emails. Make sure you’re always on time to work and to meetings. When your boss leaves you a message, return his or her call promptly. These little details matter…especially when it comes to job security.
Make your boss look good.
It’s easy to just think about yourself and your career. But change your attitude. Instead, think of what you can do to help and support your boss and to make him or her look good in front of customers or upper management. Your boss will certainly notice.
Get to work early, stay late.
Creating the impression that you’re an extremely hard worker will only help you in the long run.
Compliment your boss.
It’s easy to forget that bosses are real people too. And just like employees, they like to hear some positive feedback occasionally. So if your boss does something you appreciate or you support, let him or her know. That said, don’t offer disingenuous feedback. You should be direct, honest and constructive in your feedback to your boss.
Keep a positive attitude.
The one thing that most bosses hate more than anything is a whiner. So do your best to stay positive and upbeat around the office. If you do have a real issue with an assignment, be direct and specific with your boss about it. Try to offer your feedback as a recommendation or solution, rather than a complaint.
The bottom line is that when layoffs do happen, bosses will fight for those employees whom they really like and who do a good job. On the flip side, they’ll look for any excuse to get rid of someone they don’t like. So you’ll certainly want to fall in the former group, not the latter.
If you have a boss you can’t get along with, no matter how hard you work, and you’re ready for a new job opportunity, Future Force can help. Since 1992, our South Florida employment agency has helped thousands of job seekers find rewarding career opportunities with great companies throughout the area. And we can help you too! Find out how.