Sad - but true. Many bosses love being pampered. They do no want to listen if you disagree. It is wrong because they do not necessarily have their company's best interests at heart.

I have always tried to tell my bosses what I think is best for the firm. If I don't think a certain project is moving in te right direction, then I will say so. After all, if something is going to help make the business more successful, then it's good for me, good for the boss, good for your colleagues, good for customers and good for shareholders - the order I have listed them in is purely random and no reflection on importance!

To just nod at everything the boss says is no good for anyone. He/she will blindly carry on in self delusion believing he is doing very well - and every time he has a new idea, he'll 'bounce' it off the yes man, knowing it will gain quick approval. Rather than talk it through and improve it or even scrap it because of the pitfalls, through it goes.

For someone like me who is conscientious, there are maybe four solutions. The most drastic is to hand in your resignation and leave the line of business you love and are good at. Secondly, you could just cozy down, get lost in the system, ditch your ambition and forget about any chance of promotion. Thirdly, you could become a yes man. Nod in agreement to everything the boss suggests, tell him how wonderful he is and that it's great working for such a go-getter. In other words, 100 per cent creeping - the trouble with that is, loyalty does not always work both ways and if things go wrong, your boss will be quick to remind you that you supported the failed plan and you must take the blame. The fourth way is probably the wisest. When you have a great idea, tell your boss about it, but cage your explanation in language that makes him believe he has a major responsibility for the plan that is going to transform the company. Use phrases like, 'You remember when you said...', 'As you are always stressing to us...' The last two are both ways of buttering up the boss - the first is one that will be hard for any decent, honorable worker will find hard to live with; the second will reap benefits and leave you hugely satisfied when the boss announces his latest scheme - even if he doesn't openly give you credit for it.

Happy buttering up - but don't spread it on to thick.

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to butter up your boss?
We want to hear your view. Write now!