by Masten Dahl

Created on: January 21, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2012

There are countless ways to get ahead, but kissing up to the boss is definitely one of the most popular and time-tested methods. Even though most of us find this activity to be degrading, we have all done it at one point or another in our lives. From our earliest days as grade school students, we have learned the benefits of telling people what they want to hear. Even our own parents have had a role in developing out sucking up skills. How many times throughout your childhood have you heard, "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar"?

A boss definitely had good reasons why he or she rewards those who can kiss up. Why would a boss promote someone who is always going to be at odds with them? No boss wants a workplace filled with disagreement and headbutting. For an organization to run smoothly, everyone must be moving in the same direction. An employee who kisses up to the boss is essentially saying, "I agree with this company's philosophy, and I intend to move in whichever direction the management thinks is best." Compare that mentality to the employee who constantly criticizes every management decision. They do not give off the impression of being a team player; they are stubborn, combative, and uncooperative. If you have the choice to surround yourself with a team player or an argumentative employee, which would you choose?

Kissing up to the boss isnt a bad idea, even if you do not agree with them. If you are stuck on one of the lower rungs on the corporate ladder, it is quite difficult to make any changes in company policy or procedure. You simply cannot make any worthwhile changes while you are at the bottom of the ladder. However, if kissing up can raise you to a position of power, then you will finally be able to stop kissing up and begin to make the changes you see fit.

Kissing up isn't for everyone, of course. It involves swallowing a lot of pride. Co-workers will look down on you and talk badly about you behind your back. But you must ask yourself what is more important; winning the respect of your co- workers, or climbing the ladder of success. Kissing up is simply a method to get to where you someday want to be. Once you get to that destination, the roles will be reversed and you will have plenty of underlings who will be kissing up to you. It is a cycle that is as timeless as business itself, and will endure for as long as there are people in positions of power and those who wish to someday hold a position of power.

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