Workplace

Kissing up to the boss might have some immediate benefits, but it could backfire, said Sarah Treleaven in the Toronto Financial Post. “There’s a big difference between charming the pants off your boss and offering to iron his pants—especially when it comes to the perceptions of co-workers.” Beware any “disconnect” between how you treat colleagues and how you treat your boss, says John Izzo, author of Values-Shift: The New Work Ethic and What It Means for Business. Your colleagues will resent you, he says, and they’ll find ways to sabotage you.

“There’s an art to sucking up,” said Tara Weiss in Forbes. “If the boss—or your co-workers—can figure out what you’re up to, you’re not doing it right.” Pay close attention to how your boss communicates and works, and tweak your own style accordingly. “If your boss is short, sequential, and fast, match that. If he or she is leisurely and ponderous, match that.” Instead of blurting out an idea or opinion, ask for permission to give your input. Even if your boss is approachable, never forget who’s boss.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up