by Matthew Thomas Jr.

Created on: August 20, 2007

There are many paths to success. When you're working for success at the workplace, there are certain ways to move forward quickly, but kissing up is not the best way. In my personal experience, those who kiss up to bosses usually appear to be doing good, but through interaction with my bosses, it seems that they actually do not make such a good impression.

Most bosses I have discussed it with have mentioned that the best way to move forward in your career is to make a good impression through your performance. Working hard while you are on clock is the most important, not they way you act toward your boss. Specifically, if you can get all the tasks done you are assigned to, it shows that you can do the job, and take the time to do the tasks right. Proving your competence is extremely useful, as that is the reason the company would want you to work there in the first place.

Kissing up to your boss can get you somewhere, and usually, it is doing the crap jobs that no one else will take. Given, there is use in doing the jobs no one wants. If you can take on some extra responsibilities, do so. Only do it if can help and don't mind, as these things will help you make a better impression, but as long as you perform your job at a satisfactory level, you should not have to take on extra.

Instead of kissing up, there are two simple things that can be done that will help you move forward at your job a little quicker. The first, which does not always work, is to have a sense of humor. Be serious and work, but don't worry so much. Usually, your boss is not going to mind if you have a sense of humor, and an employee who smiles and enjoys their work is much more productive than one who doesn't. The second thing is to become a problem solver. If your work has a computer system, try to tinker around (carefully!) so that when something goes wrong, you know what to do. Look for ways to save yourself time while at work, as being efficient will help you and the company.

Bosses are regular people. They come in to work just like anyone else and, although it might not be widely believed, often don't want employees kissing up any more than they wanted to kiss up when they were employees. There are ways to move up in a company, specifically working hard and being competent. There are other things one can do, such as being a problem solver and having a good attitude. Of course, some people may think that this constitutes kissing up, but being a good worker is something completely different.

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