Culture Club: Kissing Up and Getting Ahead
Have you ever felt like you needed to impress your boss or colleagues to get ahead in your career? You’re not alone. In today’s workplace, the skill of kissing up or “brown-nosing” has become a common practice. But is it really worth it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ins and outs of the kissing up culture.
The Art of Kissing Up
Kissing up is the act of trying to gain favor with your boss or colleagues by doing things like complimenting them excessively, agreeing with them at all times, bringing them coffee or other small gifts, or even laughing at their jokes even if they’re not funny. While this behavior might seem harmless, it can have serious consequences for both the kisser and the kissee.
The Impact of Kissing Up on the Kisser
While kissing up might seem like a way to get ahead in your career, the truth is that it can have negative effects. For one, constantly trying to impress others can lead to burnout and a loss of authenticity. Kissing up can also create a culture of toxic competition, where employees are pitted against each other to see who can please the boss the most. This can lead to stress and anxiety, as well as a lack of focus on actual job responsibilities.
The Impact of Kissing Up on the Kissee
On the other hand, the person on the receiving end of the kissing up might not appreciate it as much as you think. While it might be flattering at first, it can quickly become obvious that the kisser is insincere. This can damage the relationship and create an uncomfortable work environment. Moreover, it can cause the kissee to question if the kisser is doing it just for personal gain, which can lead to a loss of trust.
The Alternative to Kissing Up
Instead of resorting to kissing up, it’s important to focus on building genuine relationships with your colleagues and superiors. This means being authentic and expressing your opinions in a respectful manner. It also means taking the time to get to know your colleagues and showing interest in their work. This approach will not only build stronger relationships but will also allow you to stand out based on your actual skills and contributions.
An excellent example of this is a case study of a sales executive named Jane. Jane made it clear to her boss that she was interested in the company’s marketing efforts and offered to provide her insights into potential clients. By taking an authentic interest in the work of others and contributing valuable insights, Jane was able to stand out and subsequently receive a promotion.
Conclusion
While kissing up might seem like a quick fix to get ahead in your career, it’s important to consider the negative consequences that it can have on both you and your colleagues. So, instead of resorting to brown-nosing, take the time to build authentic relationships and focus on your actual skills and contributions. As a result, you’ll stand out for the right reasons and have a more fulfilling career.
