Are you annoyed by 'ass kissers'?
We've all seen them and had to deal with them. Those who behave obsequiously in order to gain favour in some way.
Many good people I work with reach a ceiling which they just don't seem to be able to get past; and so often that ceiling doesn't appear to apply to the 'kissers'.
Whilst the self-interest of the 'kisser' might not sit comfortably with your values, there is a lot you can learn from how they get recognised and considered worthy of promotion, advocating and passing others over for.
Here are five behavioirs that you would do well to copy and re-purpose for good, if you are doing good work and want to get into a space to leverage what you do to a greater degree and have your boss or key stakeholders sponsor your work.
1. Be a DOER
- If your boss or a key stakeholder asks you to do something and you agree with it, get it done, get it done quickly and get it done well - People appreciate those who do stuff for them.
Caveat - Be clear on how much time you have available and what you can drop or might have to before accepting so that you are able to accept with confidence or share well worded caveats or agree clear realistic timescales - better, as they say, to get it done but under promise and over achieve
2. Be a Recogniser
- If your boss does something good and helpful, let them know. Tell them how what they did helped you was useful to you and the wider picture and tell them how valued it would be if they continue to do that - what gets recognised gets repeated.
Caveat - Choose wisely what you want to recognise and ensure it's something that you really do want repeating as well as the circumstances in which you'd like it shared - ahead of meetings 1-1 for example as opposed to openly given to you in open forum.
3. Be an Undertaker (no, not that sort).
- Create space in your diary to take on tasks and responsibilities that your boss or key stakeholders would prefer not to be doing and get it done, get it done quickly and do it well - removing someone's pain increases they likelihood they will removed yours.
Caveat - set a time limit, share the work responsibly with your team and be clear that this is about creating a platform for influence.
4. Be a Seeker
- Seek advice and guidance from your boss and key stakeholders in areas where you know, they excel and thank them for it - when people feel valuable and of worth their ego tends to let the light fall on others too.
Caveat - Be clear on what you want advice and guidance on and why being clear to set perametetsr within which guidance is welcome. You don't want your work overrun by an enthusiastic boss bunny.
5. Be a Sharer
Share with others the benefits you've received for working for your boss or with key stakeholders the impact has had on what that's meant as a consequence but only if it had genuine benefit.
Caveat - Don't over egg the difference it made; be truthful, to the point and factual. This means the bos is likely to be able to have the same impact for others so you don't appear to be saying it for the sake of it.
These are all things that you'll know, but are you doing them and do you feel ok doing it?
Remember a key point is that you only do any of the above if your are a) aware of and can apply the caveats and b) there is truth in what you are saying and what you feel.
Even if your intent is true and the difference you want to make for good - others will see you as 'showboating'. You don't need that; but the world does need good people to rise to the top.
If you have any questions or thoughts or if you'd like help with this or any other leadership topic get in touch at stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk
Stefan
I am a rock n roll executive coach and endurance racing cyclist who specialises in helping good people lead great things; their great things for the betterment of humanity - sounds big and fun - it is.
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