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Of all the things that one would need to get ahead in the workplace, you would think that "apple polishing" "kissing up" and "playing politics" wouldn't be included. Sad to say but that is ONE skill that one cannot do without.

Besides a sparkling resume'and strong work practices, "playing politics" (or kissing up)is an absolute must. I'm not referring to offering to buy your immediate superior coffee every morning, bringing him/her lunch everyday, or laughing hysterically at his/her corny jokes. I'm talking about making yourself "known" to the higher ups. Not in a "bad" way but making yourself visible to them in a positive way. Always agreeing to stay late to work on a special project, agreeing to work overtime on a Saturday, offering a helpful but subtle suggestion when a problem arises... just doing these little things are enough to stamp the "team player" tag on your forehead when raises and promotions start to circle around the workplace.

I, personally, wouldn't go out of my way to "offer to help" a supervisor time and time again. That does give the impression that you are an "eager beaver" (maybe TOO eager) in the eyes of a supervisor and only raises the ire of your co-workers as someone who is "out for himself" and not really a team player.

Hard work, a pursuit of excellence in performance, and agreeing to do whatever is asked of you by your supervisors is more than enough to guarantee a good performance evaluation and over time, paves the way for moving up in the organization the "right" way without being labeled a "kiss up" and someone who is not to be trusted.

Learn more about this author, Michael Fernandez.
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