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I think it is important to establish a baseline of what kissing up means. To me, I interpret this as someone who lacks boundaries and compromises his/her dignity,is not respected by peers and is someone that you have to be careful with when it comes to sharing information, and has self-esteem issues. Kissing up is an emotional and behavioral issue that often leads to a dysfunctional workplace. On the outside they appear to be a trusted colleague but when you are not there, you are thrown under the bus. Maybe my interpretation may seem rather harsh but I have worked in competitive environments that endorse this behavior.

The salient points that I would like to present about this arguement are: boundaries, integrity, confident with your skills and knowledge, knowing when to "fight" on an issue and when to to not get involved, and how to use the I in sentences. These are the points that I have learned when presenting my thoughts and knowledge with doctors, lawyers, judges,and with other colleagues. Point #1: Establishing boundaries in the work place eliminates the need to kiss up to the boss. It removes the emotional aspects and keeps you from being involved in a losing battle. It keeps you neutral. There is a healthy way to develop a relationship with a boss that builds up respect. I have grown tired of working in e nvironments that demands this behavior, especially when it is because of gender. Establishing and maintaining boundaries leads into point 2 and that is,integrity and self-respect are healthy when you set boundaries. Point #3: Establishing and maintaining boundaries reflect that you are confident in your skills and with knowledge reflecting a professional individual. Point #3: Knowing when to fight is knowing when to pick your battles. Life is too short to get caught up in issues that don't involve you.Moreover, Using I keeps you focused on yourself instead of others.
Being open and communnicating your opinion in an assertive manner does not mean a kiss up, it just means that you are confident in yourself. I have found kissing up is a dangerous game and if an employer expects this behavior,then an individual may want to reconsider whether they fit in with the culture.

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