How do I suck up to my boss?

Question

I have been working at an agency for almost a year. I'm fairly well liked thus far. However, I have issues with not questioning authority. I like to know why I do things and also want my opinion heard in issues. How do I just "get the job done" that is asked of me with respectfully having my perspective heard?

Answer 1

I don't know if this is the answer you are looking for, but I found long ago that the answer is to get mad! It works because it shows people you take your job seriously, that you care about what happens at your job, and it makes people respect your opinions much more.

Answer 2

Don't be too concerned with the other person hearing your opinion. Give it in parting. As you walk away, pause, then say, "You know, we could always do it X way. What do you think of that?" Maybe they just grunt out a reply. So what. Some people just don't want the input of others. Silence is awkward for most people. Wait until you get an answer. If it is too short let it go. Next time wait again and if the answer is too short say something like, "Well, that just leaves me hanging." The big thing is don't push things right away and don't go super assertive all at once. Let people see that you want to be a part of things and are willing to quietly but forcefully achieve that. Also, if your opinion runs counter to the way things are going to be done you run the risk of alienating others while gaining nothing for yourself. If they are going to make a mistake and you know you can't talk them out of it then let it happen. Of course, "I told you so." is the wrong thing to say when things go bad the way you predicted. "Hey, I thought that was a good idea." Pause. "Maybe next time we can try Y. Frankly, anyone worth their salt will ask for the input of others and not just as a matter of show. I've worked in a wide variety of jobs and found this to be the case. This might all be total nonsense for your situation since so much depends on the personalities involved but it has worked pretty well for me.

Answer 3

Basically sucking up to you boss is completely different thing from what you would like to do :)
You rather want to assert yourelf.
Sucking up is passive wilful acceptance of your boss' s view in order to please them - due to your feeling insecure or damn wanting to get sth without any moral stops how to achieve it.
So beware the huge difference- assuring yourself - involves rescpect for your opinion and respect for others' - its in a way taking the middle road - accepting there is no right or wrong way - rather a compromise.
Assertiveness is a skill that can be mastered but it takes patience and a lot of work. I suggest you reasearch the basics of it - and then try to exercise them :) Good luck !
Here's a link to assertive behaviour: http://www.coping.org/relations/assert.htm#Myths

Answer 4

Acknowledge and Advance your Agenda. How so? Agree with your boss in that you understand his point ("Yes, hanging the Suggestions Box in the bathroom might be just the quirky sort of thing we need around here...") and then nudge him towards your line of thinking with a mildly phrased question ("...but what about sanitation issues?" or "...but might the lobby be a better location, considering the amount of people who pass through there?").

Asking people to consider your perspective in the form of a question allows them a chance to salvage their pride (Hey, I didn't come up with the idea, but my underlings thought to ask my opinion on it! I'm still the boss man around here!).

Answer 5

Why would anyone suck up to a boss. If you can't be yourself its not worth it. Sucking up is for people who suck.

Answer 6

Don't suck up, just do your job to the best of you ability.

Answer 7

Sucking up is not the way to go, if you want to be judged on your merits.

Answer 8

You are paid to do a job. Do it well.