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Let's face it, your boss is the person who has the authority to promote you, or at least recommend you for promotion. You can't be a jerk to them and expect to get anywhere, so you have to be nice. However, being nice to someone because they have that power over you IS kissing up.

Not sure if you're kissing up to the big guy/boss lady? Here are some indications:
You look for reasons to compliment him or her. You check out their hair, jewelry, clothing, etc.
You change your appearance to something he/she would like.
You change your tone of voice when they call you on the phone.
You overly acknowledge their ideas.
You find yourself automatically nodding a lot when they talk.
You support his/her ideas more than your coworkers' ideas.
If you are truly honest with yourself, you are not always genuine when you do the above.

Of course, there are rare cases where productivity alone can produce a promotion, but otherwise you have to be able to play nice with others and that includes your boss.

Learn more about this author, Maggie Madison.
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