Sucking Up Does Not Suck

Back in college, we always hated the teacher’s pet who would always remind the teacher of that assignment that the class has unanimously agreed not to do. We hated them for stealing the show unnecessarily and being the favorite student. In other words, we hated them for sucking up.

It’s still the same thing for most of us in the corporate world. Employees hate it when they see their colleague hanging out with the boss during break time. They hate it when the big projects are always awarded to “that” person. But are they really that bad? Or do they see these gestures in a different light. Let me tell you now, that “that” person has the right idea, because he/she has been showing different traits that common employees, whether they want to get promoted or not, have been failing to show.

In fact, it’s a requirement for promotion in almost all companies, because there are qualities behind these actions we label “sucking up” that are actually indicators of calibre.

Here are some of the few things you might consider doing, instead of avoiding:

Occasional Conversations. A lot of people tend to perceive that talking with the boss is sucking up. This should not be the case. What is in a conversation anyway? Is it that bad to ask how the company started? Or how your boss enjoys his/her weekends with the family? Or is it simply having a conversation to another person who just happened to be your boss? The point is, it’s the same thing as talking with your colleagues, showing the same amount of respect, and observing the proper topics that can be discussed.

Holding occasional conversations with your boss shows that you are someone who can hold him/herself in front of people with authority – something that a manager or an employee with a high position has to do in a daily basis.

Carrying Luggages. Time to bring the past back, and remember the good old days where we were taught to help others who are having a hard time in carrying their things. But why is it that when this is done for bosses, the employee is seen as sucking up? Is it not just a simple gesture to help your boss? You don’t have to grab your boss’s luggage like a highway robber, but instead, simply offer to carry their things if you see them having difficulties.

Offering to carry your boss’s luggage shows that you are observant, and is willing to take positive actions without being told to – the making of a star employee.

Siding Opinion. Sometimes, managerial decisions are unfavorable, or simply look unfavorable for the employees, which often cause all the commotion in the office. Suddenly, it is the manager against the world, fighting for a decision that was made to benefit the company. Where do you side? Will you side with the majority? Or will you side with your boss? The best way to decide is to ask your boss first regarding his/ her reason for making such decision, and consider it from the management’s point of view. Are they really out to get every employee? Or is the decision a long-term plan to develop the company and its members?

If you see that your boss’s decision is fair and for the good of all, don’t be scared to take the road not taken. Side with your boss, and calmly explain to your colleagues why you agree with your boss. Being objective in this kind of instance shows that you are someone who will not be biased in making decisions. You show the perfect behavior in giving judgments. Another plus for you!

Sucking up does not suck. Doing things to impress your boss is natural, and one of the best ways to show gratitude towards the company. Just remember not to get too personal with your boss; after all, your boss is still a boss, and the office is still a workplace. Avoid asking personal things, unless your boss is the one who has opened up the topic. Be mindful of your questions, and don’t get too friendly (especially when the wife or husband is around!). You can be friendly just as much as your boss wants you to be when with him/her, but always remember to show respect and observe boundaries.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. CC-4, Sunday, July 5, 2015. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.