We’re all guilty of kissing ass at some point. We laugh at a boss’ joke that isn’t funny. We concede that an idea might work despite it’s obvious (to us) flaws. But what is that ingratiating behavior costing us?
Not much as it turns out. Despite the article being titled Workers “Sucking Up” Bad For Business: Experts the only evidence given shows what a boon it is to workers:
Forget for a moment, what that does to a business. What does that say about you and I that we are so easily fooled? We think we’re smart enough to evaluate people based on merit, but obviously we’re susceptible to a little ass kissing. This means in all of our evaluative efforts where our subjectivity comes into play (hiring, annual reviews, promotions and firing) we can’t be trusted.
photo by mallix
We need more rigorous and objective measures in terms of who to hire and who to promote. While it’s impossible and foolhardy to do away with human measure in these areas we too often think we’re God’s gift to intuition and therefore aren’t willing to allow another objective data source to interfere with our decision-making process.
So back to why this is bad for business. Sure, group think is a problem. Yep, it fails to reward good ideas.
But it’s also a vicious circle. When we promote the suck ups it’s because we don’t have the self-confidence to firmly stand behind our own decisions. Likewise, the people sucking up will be the ones who can’t get ahead on the quality of their own thoughts. This creates an organizational weak-mindedness that dumbs down innovation and work quality. And in a knowledge-based company that trades on its ideas that’s a deathblow. Inertia will carry you along for a while, but the friction of the marketplace and the internal competition to see who can suck up best will grind you to a halt soon enough.
For all the leaders out there, don’t succumb to the sycophants. If for no other reason than it points to your own obvious flaws and weaknesses. Have a little self respect and self confidence. You’re better than that.
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