The Tactics of the Battle

This would be your guide on office politics. Thanks to Blaine Pardoe for the good advice he'd given us in all his books about office politics and how to be hypercompetitive.

Brownnosing works. Often in its illustrious and successful existence it has gone by other names-kissing up, buttering up, bootlicking, butt kissing, ass kissing, butt wiping-it is something that has reached a nearly art-form status with many players. Simply put, it appeals to the egos of the targets. As humans, our egos often govern our decision-making ability. We also tend to surround ourselves with those who think and act like us as managers. Brownnosers, by their actions, show that they either like us or support us. Either way it appeals to the egos of the targets and fulfills that need to have others working for us who like us.

In its mildest form, it is simply complimenting your management food chain in an effort to gain their support or at least get them acknowledge you. It can take a personal form, for example, "Gee, Ms. watson, you're looking great today." This form is often referred to as "Pulling an Eddie" or "Haskilling".

It most often takes form in work-related compliments like, "I'm just thankful I don't have your job and have to deal with hassles at your level , sir."

Whatever form of brownnosing you choose is based on the managers or individuals you are talking to. Depending on their personalities, you should apply whichever form is most appropriate. Observe your target, get to know what works best there.

The impact of brownnosing is relatively limited. It helps with securing promotions or assignment to projects, but its long term impact is limited. It also lacks impact in high pressure situations and environments.

See you again tomorrow, don't miss it!