by (( Nikki ))

Created on: December 05, 2009

'Brown-noser' is a pejorative term used to describe someone who knows how to schmooze the boss and network better than his or her coworkers do. Most of us could take some lessons from these guys. They end up labeled as a brown-noser because their coworkers are jealous, like smart children in school get teased by others for being a teacher's pet. Others, however, do take it too far. Willing to step on anyone in order to advance their own aims, regardless of who they hurt. These are the toxic brown-nosers in the office, and no one wants to work with them.

So how do you work with someone who is willing to do anything to get ahead? Back-stabbers, liars, cheats, and crooks, these toxic brown-nosers can get you fired if you get in their way.

== Watch Your Mouth ==

Anything you say can, and will, be held against you. Don't gossip with or overshare to anyone in the office. Chances are, the brown-noser will overhear one of those "private" conversations. Phone conversations and email can also be overheard or accidentally shared with the wrong person. We've all seen the posts online about email blunders where someone went and replied to the wrong person, haven't we? Don't take chances.

== Document, Document, Document ==

Sending email you are worried might be taken out of context? BCC yourself and keep a copy. Someone tell you to do something a certain way, or to not do a task? Get it in writing. Keep copies of receipts, emails, voicemails, and anything else that might remotely be used against you. Keep copies of the same if they might be used to prove you were responsible for getting a task done, an idea was yours (you do want credit, don't you?), or you told someone to perform a task.

Meticulous record keeping is your friend.

== Protect Your Assets ==

Worried a backstabber might do something to sabotage you? Make sure your voicemail requires a password, and CHANGE IT frequently. The same goes for your office computer. Secure it when you leave the line of sight by locking it. Windows computers on a network are fast and easy to secure (windows key and the L) so that you need to enter the password to use it again. Use a password for your screen saver for the same reason. Lock your desk drawer, and be sure the papers you want to protect are actually IN it, not sitting on top of your desk.

Even if you are just going to the bathroom. Even if it's just for a drink of water. Lock it up. Once it's a habit, it won't be such a pain, honest.

== Take Lessons ==

Your enemy is busy getting noticed. He or she is visible to the right people, gets to know those people, and uses that knowledge to make friends. Observe what goes on and use it to your advantage. You don't have to take it to extremes or become what you despise. The soft skills you acquire will be invaluable; you can become someone the higher-ups like and want to work with. It's a lot easier to protect yourself with the help of the powers that be. Networking, the art of diplomacy, becoming a change agent. All of those things can be positive if you want them to be.

Don't just focus on the people in high places, either. Peers, secretaries, and janitorial staff have different perspectives to share. They know things you don't. Get to know them.

Brown-nosing doesn't have to be evil. But you do have to protect yourself from the toxic people in your office, regardless of what you want to label them as.

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