Which Is Better: Being A Boss's Favorite Or A 'trusted' Team Player?

Assuming you have to choose between two individuals, when I mention "trusted," I am referring to someone who is recognized for their strengths. What would you prioritize in this scenario?

Becoming a trusted team player automatically makes you your boss's favorite. That's my way of looking at it...

You should not only be the boss's favorite but also a very good, trusted team player. Only when you become a trusted team player can you be the boss's favorite.

Thank you.

Nice to hear, but one should accept the truth that boss favorites are winning the race today. No matter how talented and skillful you are in your job performance, a slight misunderstanding between you and the boss will land you in trouble.

Greetings,

Good topic! I am sure we will get a range of views on this. Here's my point. It depends directly on the culture of the organization and the values of the boss in question.

There are many firms that take pride in not playing favorites. There are bosses who would write off team members who may try to impress them. These leaders would have "the organization first" attitude.

At the same time, in cultures that are completely driven by human emotions, there would be an equal degree of subjectivity. Hence, they are susceptible to power plays, which will require a considerable amount of fan-following. Consequently, setting rewards for loyalists rather than meritocrats.

I look forward to the experiences as shared by our members.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Dear Mr. Nikhil,

Let me correlate your query with mine. It's from the employee perspective.

"Whether, shall I SATISFY MY SUPERIORS or MEET COMPANY OBJECTIVES."

You need to think on a broader spectrum while correlating my query to conclude your views, suggestions, opinion, etc...

I am sure we will enjoy sharing your views, positively....

With profound regards

Dear Mr. Matheen,

You are only worried about your job. I am not sure whether you have tried to improve your skills, talent, etc. You need to understand "why an employer can hire my services". We are not hired to satisfy the employer (individual), but we are hired to meet the company's objectives.

According to my knowledge, "One who meets company objectives should be the boss's favorite" and should be trusted for his sincerity, honesty, loyalty, dedication, hard work, and unselfish nature.

Kindly remember, a buttering up nature will never last long because honesty will win at any cost. Kindly don't even try to gain trust by buttering up your boss; such trust will never last long.

There is something known as inner satisfaction and external satisfaction. External satisfaction is related to the boss, and internal satisfaction is related to your skills, talents, trust, what you achieve, or have achieved on your own, etc.

Think big, think outside the box, dare to dream big, and try your best to realize your goals...

Kindly don't mistake me because I am very straightforward in nature as I only support sincerity, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and hard work.

Good luck.

This is a great question. I think it's best to be a team player and win the confidence of your team. However, at the same time, you can't avoid the directions of your boss. You have to do what he/she wants you to do. After all, the acronym of JOB is Just Obey Boss ;)

A trusted team player will always be a boss's delight, but a boss's delight may not always be a trusted team player. More importantly, bosses never actually realize this, which turns the table and raises questions about how trustworthy the bosses themselves are.

Thank you for using our service!

[QUOTE=Construction;1524659]
A trusted team player will always be a boss's delight, but a boss's delight may not always be a trusted team player. More importantly, bosses never actually realize this, which turns the table and cross-questions how trustworthy the bosses themselves are.

Hi, I was waiting eagerly for someone to post their suggestions proportionately to what you had exactly suggested. This reflects your HIGH MATURITY LEVELS. https://www.citehr.com/332858-how-en...-students.html

What you said is 101% TRUE. According to me, TRUST should be found in TOP MANAGEMENT, and it is TOP MANAGEMENT or BOSS who should inculcate the same down the hierarchy line.... This is how TRUST CAN BE BUILT in organizations.

Good Luck with profound regards.

Hi Khadir,

Thanks for your comments, but I still stick with the same fact as I said before. The boss is the final decision-maker. If you satisfy him, you are inside the company. If not, you know what happens. This occurs in all organizations. I have seen many employees who have given everything to the company and received no rewards because of the bosses. Truth hurts, but we can't avoid it.

Apart from being straightforward, also try to learn the company culture. This will help you in the future. Let me remind you of one thing: Employees leave the company not because of jobs, but because of bosses. I hope you understand.

Regards,
Matheen.R

Hi Khadir,

First, you should understand one thing: Employees leave a company not because of the job, but because of bosses. The boss is the decision-maker regarding an employee's future. An employee without the support of their boss will definitely struggle to survive in the organization until they win the hearts of their team and boss. Apart from being straightforward, you have to concentrate on the present organizational culture, which will help you grow even better.

Thank you for your comment.

Regards,
Matheen R.

A very sensitive question and a good one too.

Advantages of being a Boss Favorite:

1. You have complete right to do anything (No one asks anything or obstructs).
2. You will be provided less work than others (But payment is in full).
3. For the time being, you will be treated as special (Lemonade by others).

Disadvantages of being a Boss Favorite (Keep Counting):

1. You will always be disliked by other colleagues within your office.
2. You will lose your strength, ability, talent, internal feelings day by day.
3. You will be the first to be terminated once the Boss gets changed.
4. You will not have a good reputation in the organization as they see you like a spy of the Boss.
5. You will be habitual of being dependent in your life wherever you join.
6. Last but not least - You are wasting your prestigious time buttering up to the Boss, instead of gaining knowledge and experience.

Advantages of being a Trusted Team Player:

1. You will have self-confidence, with a good display of strength, talent, trust, ability, etc.
2. You will be liked by all members and colleagues within and outside of the organizations.
3. Your reputation will be much higher than the Boss's favorite.
4. You will not be worried about any termination, as you will stand alone in any circumstances.
5. Your hard work will be appreciated by members at any cost.

Disadvantages of being a Trusted Team Player:

1. It's only one point - that you are not the Boss's favorite... But your honesty and hard work will count for sure.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Matheen,

I do agree with you, but do remember that organizations are losing TALENTED WORKFORCE, which is a major reason for ATTRITION besides PAY/COMPENSATION. There are many talented employees who believe that if not this organization, someone else will hire their services.

I seriously don't want to grow by buttering up a wrong or bad boss just to safeguard my job. I would love to support a GOOD BOSS out of my way. I am sure there are GOOD BOSSES in this world.

Moreover, when you match your frequency with your boss, let's say a good matured (by all means) boss, then you can see the major difference in your life. This is the fact. A GOOD BOSS will never promote WRONG THINGS or MOVES.

Very few have tried their best to change their boss's mentality.

So, why do you worry about yourself when you are not wrong? It is our HONESTY that supports us, and even a BAD BOSS cannot harm us.

What Mr. Sayeed wrote is a fact.

ADVANTAGES of BEING A TRUSTED TEAM PLAYER or EMPLOYEE are more than "being BOSS'S FAVORITE."

I have one practical query for you; I hope you will respond positively.

"Just assume that your boss has done injustice to other employees. You have realized the fact that your boss made a wrong decision.

a) Now, do you still support your boss? or
b) try to convince him to change his decision
c) What if you fail to gain the TRUST of those employees, as you all need to support each other. Can you and your boss manage the organization without the support of other employees?

With profound regards,

(Cite Contribution),

In today's world, bosses need to know what 'drives' the employees. If impressing a boss is a driver, then one needs to leverage it to bring the best out of the organization. Writing them off is probably the wrong thing. One needs to know how to manage the situation rather than get swayed otherwise! The problem is that one could many times be both, yet suffer (in line with Sayeed's post). Matheen is not wrong because if the boss is oriented to the organization, your impressing him will mean that you are definitely oriented to the organization! Let's face it... After all, as they put it in the US, the paradigm reads: It's my way or the highway!

"When you are in the light, everything follows you, but when you enter into the dark, even your own shadow doesn't follow you." - Hitler

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This quote reflects the contrast between being in a positive situation where everything supports you and being in a negative situation where even your own support system fails you.

"When you are in the light, everything follows you, but when you enter into the dark, even your own shadow doesn't follow you." - Hitler

---

This correction ensures proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. The original quote's meaning and tone have been preserved while enhancing readability.

A good team player is a necessity in any organization. Being the boss's favorite in the organization can be detrimental if the boss is showing favoritism towards someone. God save the organization in such cases.

To become a favorite with the boss, one must be a trusted and proven team player. However, this will only be applicable where the organization and the boss have trust and rely on the strength and decisions of trusted team players. Once the boss shows bias towards someone, keeping them in his good graces and believing everything they say, it can create a toxic work environment.

As mentioned by Ms. Cite Contribution, if the boss prioritizes the organization and values trusted team players, the workplace will be a haven for sincere workers and trusted team players. This approach will ensure that the organization stays ahead in all aspects.

Even a mother has favorite children, so why deny the boss? Our discussions may not remove the phenomenon of bosses having favorites. It's natural!

Most of you are talking less about what the preferred choice should be; rather, you are trying to tell how the boss should be.

It's interesting how one is extrapolating it to the organization being good or bad when this is actually an individualistic phenomenon!

Hi Nikhil,

How I missed such a nice topic... :)
I think a trusted team player, with his/her consistency in performance, becomes a favorite amongst bosses too. Yes, it will take time to fight bias and competition with many "Yes Men" in the company, but eventually, with a large team supporting you, there is no way an unskilled or low-skilled person can stay a favorite forever. As we have seen, the majority here would love to be the boss's favorite, so the less traveled path is being a trusted team member. Hence, less competition, so the probability of success is higher... :)

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

A very good question and many thanks to all the members who posted responses based on their experiences.

In my humble opinion, it entirely depends on the preferences of the immediate boss, unless a 360-degree feedback mechanism is well institutionalized in the company and the company's culture is well managed by thorough professionals. So, I suggest understanding your immediate boss's preferences (if you don't have good contacts with the boss of your boss :-)) and acting accordingly. That is the only way to achieve success in most companies.

Regards,
Yuvraj Sharma

Dear Mr. Gurjar,

Until you reach your company target, you will be favorable to your boss, and your boss will also be favorable to you. However, your team players will always be with you for your rights.

Anandarajukh, I disagree. Other team players cannot do much if your boss decides to be unfavorable to you. They are always politically weaker!

Today's world, when everyone is looking for shortcuts and occupied with the rat race, it is but natural that most would prefer to be the boss's favorite. However, one should not forget that in the long run, being a team player paves the way for success.

All those looking to please their boss need to be careful; today, some may succeed by adopting such methods. However, in the long run, these same people run the risk of being left out, like abandoned beaches of yesterday.

Remember, if you are a team player, you will develop skills that will benefit you, even if someone replaces your boss for some reason. Keep your focus on your long-term goals; you will realize that the short-term rat race does not serve your purpose.

Read this..

The most important person who can help you in your career growth and learning, at work, is your boss. Whatever he says, good or bad, about you, definitely has an impact on your career growth. Because career growth is more than working hard, meeting deadlines, being dapper & diligent. Most often to get a promotion, increment, in any organization, you need to be in good books of your boss.

Every boss has a favourite. Ethically they should not but it’s a human nature. Like we all have favourite co-worker, favourite friend and favourite family member. If you get a boss who is going to have favourites, you have to cash on this opportunity and be the one of his favourites. If you become one then don’t flash this out proudly in front of your colleagues. Don’t acknowledge this news in front of anyone and try to be reticent, modest and humble.

To get to be favourite one has to depend on skill, hard work, talent, taking initiative etc. One has to be loyal, team player and boss appreciating to get more opportunity, exposure and learning. To become favourite one should never depend on buttering up, blandishing, servility, sycophancy etc.

Do not strive so hard to become favourite of your boss that you become dirt ball for your colleagues. If you genuinely deserve because you are efficient, dependable, honest then only your colleague will also abide with it.

Also, make sure to know all the favourites in other departments. This is not a tough job at all. They will be treated with the same very way like you are treated from your boss. You can spot them because they would be:

• Spending more time with their boss.

• Trusted and intimate.

• Get the rewarding and prestigious job/work/perk.

• Part of every meeting.

Once you spot them, be friends with them. There is nothing like getting recognition/recommendation from other bosses. This way you also get to know what’s going on in other department, company and become part of that ‘elite crowd’.

If you are on the other side and you disapprove of favouritism, do none of anything mentioned above.

Share your workplace experience about favouritism.

Both aspects are equally important. However, if you become the boss's favorite, other employees may turn against you. If they approach you, it may be driven by their selfish interests. On the other hand, being a good team player can help you navigate both sides, although it can lead to a significant challenge. :)

According to my perception, first of all, we should prioritize ourselves. What I meant to say is we are not working to satisfy the boss or team members, but we should satisfy ourselves and also align with the company's objectives.

I would like to add my recent experience in an organization. The HR Executive of the organization has sent the Master Salary file to all @ India email ids, and every employee came to know everybody's salaries. All employees were waiting for action to be taken against that Executive. But believe me or not, no action was taken; instead, she has been promoted to the next level because she is the boss's favorite. I was speechless...

Please comment on this.

Regards, VP

I think one should have:

- Commitment to the organization and one's job
- Work hard to perform better and better
- Continually increase one's skills
- Maintain good relations with all, including the boss, and hence achieve the position of both a trusted person and the boss's preferred. Normally, the happier situation will be to achieve both.

However, the world is not necessarily perfect, so it is better to be a trusted person due to your abilities. Firstly, no one will ask you to leave due to your own strength, and you are not limited to working only in one organization, as there are enough organizations who would want you to join them.

If you are only the boss's preferred and do not have personal strength, then you only have a limited honeymoon period, as someone else may occupy that position of preference with the boss, or the boss itself might leave the organization.

Boss is the captain of the team, and we, as team members, expect a trustworthy captain/leader. If this is true, then no ambiguity remains about being a favorite or trusted. If it is false, then we need to change the team or, if possible, change the captain. Team members perform better when they have trust in their captain, and this is cyclic - the more the trust, the better the performance, leading to more trust and so on.

Well, I agree with what Archana quoted. I have a similar situation too, wherein favorites are ruling, and the people who are actually performing are somewhere hidden, and their efforts are only recognized when they mistakenly come in front of the boss. But there's one thing that shall always stay - the individual's honesty, skills, commitment, and hard work. One fine day, favorites can become non-favorites at some time, but the work which is done the best will always find its way. Time comes for everyone.

Well, Veena, I have also seen situations wherein the boss's favorite walks off easily even after committing a blunder, and others suffer even for a (relatively) minor error. In such situations, I have always thought that it is probably the bad luck of the organization in the long run that they are placing such people in the top levels. Destiny will give us our share; put in your best and don't miss the opportunity to prove that.

A good topic but difficult to have a correct answer. As Nobomita puts it, the culture of the organization makes a difference.

To be or not to be the boss's favorite: See the link below to view Sanjay's perspective on the above topic.
[To be or not to be boss](http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/to-be-or-not-to-be-boss-s-favourite-2455626)

Have a great day. AVS

I think one should try to become a trusted team member rather than being a boss favorite. If you want to be successful, you have to be a trusted team member so that you can get support from other team members as well. Being a boss favorite can affect your performance by not being supported by other team members due to jealousy. If you work better, you will be supported by all, whether it's the boss or team members.

Hi,

It's nice to know most people believe in being a trusted team player rather than a boss's favorite. I have been in this situation. I guess many would have been. My HOD wanted me to be at his beck and call, and I always believed that my work should speak for me and not favoritism. My immediate boss liked my work and trusted me, as did my entire team. My HOD didn't like the fact that I didn't want to be his favorite. So, he chose a colleague of mine as his 'pet' who willingly obliged (coincidentally was not a good worker but a great orator). It resulted in 5 years of day-to-day suffering, but my teammates respected me and were always willing to help me. That HOD eventually got transferred. My colleague became the butt of jokes and ridicule and is still known for being a 'chamcha.'

So, being honest with oneself and one's work is important. Everything else is secondary.

Regards

Friends, being the boss's favorite is an art, as well as being a team leader is another art. An individual should possess both traits; one should not avoid either, as one way or another, it can lead to trouble and frustration. Both arts are like the two eyes that are crucial for viewing the world. Try to learn both skills so that your professional life will be fulfilling.

Nowhere can you find a perfect person as your boss. Every human desires their subordinates to support and respect them, but do not overlook such personalities. Act respectfully in front of your boss, then carry out your duties with perfection. As per my first and second points, it's an art. You cannot change your boss; instead, adapt yourself to different individuals (again, emphasizing it's an art).

One must possess various kinds of skills in life to achieve success, and this is one of them. Learn it, practice it, and become an expert. Wishing you all the best for this new learning endeavor.

If you are the boss's favorite, then maybe the company is following a culture of favoritism. In my opinion, I will always strive to be a trusted team member.

[QUOTE=ninpins;1525758]

Hi,

It's nice to know that most people believe in being a trusted team player rather than a boss's favorite. I have been in this situation, and I guess many others have been as well.

My HOD wanted me to be at his beck and call, but I always believed that my work should speak for me, not favoritism. My immediate boss appreciated my work and trusted me, as did my entire team. However, my HOD didn't like the fact that I didn't want to be his favorite. So, he chose a colleague of mine as his 'pet' who willingly obliged (coincidentally, this colleague was not a good worker but a great orator). This situation led to five years of day-to-day suffering, but my teammates respected me and were always willing to help. Eventually, that HOD got transferred, and my colleague became the butt of jokes and ridicule, still known for being a 'chamcha'.

Therefore, being honest with oneself and one's work is crucial. Everything else is secondary.

Regards,

[QUOTE]

Excellent reply. I appreciate your sincerity, honesty, and the hardships you had to overcome. I can even understand the happiness you gained through your honesty, which money can't even buy.

I am sure Mr. Nikhil will understand and realize "the power of honesty to oneself and how important the company's objectives are, rather than being the boss's favorite or the superior's pet."

Good luck.

With profound regards

In today’s circumstances……definitely everybody wants to become their boss favorite. Nobody (boss) want to see your hard work, honesty and dedication……this is what my experience. In many organization only boss favorite employees are getting good increment, promotion, incentives etc. etc.

It's always good to be the boss's favorite. I have gone through this experience; whether you are right or wrong doesn't matter, but if you are the boss's favorite, then you are always right. No matter how honestly you have worked for the organization.

It's always better to be the boss's favorite. I have experienced this; the boss's favorite always wins, no matter if he is right or wrong. Loyalty and honesty come after this.

Interesting experiences...

I have also seen this happen several times. Bosses tend to take their favorites wherever they go. That way, they know their team and can quickly focus on what they need to do.

However, many of you think that the team player option is the better one. That's interesting too.

[QUOTE=vinay_harshe;1524435]

Become a trusted team player, and you will automatically become your boss's favorite. That's my way of looking at it...

Corrected text:

Become a trusted team player, and you will automatically become your boss's favorite. That's my way of looking at it...

As an HR professional, we should use our interpersonal and emotional management skills to handle both parties.

Kind Regards,

Amila Chamara

If you are only the boss's favorite, you will shine only in the forum where your boss is present. If you are a trusted team player, you will shine at any forum, even in the absence of your boss.

I reiterate Varsha Sakhrani.

Team player, hands down! The way I see it, there is no guarantee that your boss will remain in the boss position forever. If a new person is appointed in his/her place, you are pretty much busted. Oh, and I think having a good relationship with your coworkers is crucial... in 99% of the cases, it's their help you need.

A trusted team player is better than a boss's favorite because trust develops everything, but favoritism kills everything.

Hi,

What do you think is more important – being your boss's favorite or a trusted team player? What does your instinct say? It surprises me to see that there are people who have said that it is more important to be the boss's favorite these days. Quite humbly, I would like to ask them a few questions:

a. How long can you go by being your boss's favorite? What if the boss changes?

b. How long can you just 'pretend' to be competent under the shadow of your boss?

c. What about your own ethics, wherein you can just take all the credit just because you are your boss's favorite, while others who are the real performers keep suffering?

d. Do you think you can ever grow with an attitude like this, wherein you will always be called a 'Sycophant'?

e. Real happiness comes when people around you love and trust you. Money and success just follow then.

Pardon to all those members who feel that I have gone a little out of the way, but that's what I feel as far as this topic is concerned.

Sunita

Should not be "both," but should be 'Trusted Team player.'

If you will be a TTP, then you can enjoy your work and allow others to enjoy their work. The boss will always be there. You cannot live without a boss, but should not forget that there are colleagues.

Ulhas Chandratre
Senior HR Professional, Pune

Dear All,

My colleagues and I are facing the same problem in our company. I work in a construction company in Saudi Arabia as an Accountant. Here, one of our colleagues is trying to become the boss's favorite. He exaggerates things happening between employees when informing the boss. Our boss lacks patience to hear our side and takes action against employees solely based on the information provided by this colleague. Some employees are afraid of him.

I believe someone can become the boss's favorite for a short period, but it is unlikely to last forever. Therefore, you should work for the organization while also being a trusted team player.

Regards,
Manoj

@Sunita and others...

When the boss changes, you try to be the favorite of the new boss! It's a posture one is taking, not something incidental.

The second assumption most are making is that the favorite is no good! Assuming the two are disjoint, well, the favorite does his work, but may not be the best of the best in most things. Doesn't mean he is not contributing at all. How can one conclude such a thing (most posts tend to go in that direction)...

Now, I felt that being the boss's favorite will definitely put you above all in the team, but as far as one's future prospects are concerned, being a trusted team player, you will grow in the other organization. It is the organization that has to decide where such bosses are taking the organization. Ultimately, after some point in time, all the trusted team players would leave the organization, and the boss's favorite will remain there. The lack of security with the boss is the reason for such favoritism. Lastly, if the captain of a ship is not secure, how safe are the persons onboard?

Hi Nikhil G,

The very question: "Which is better: Being a boss's favorite or a 'trusted' team player?" suggests that you are trying to compare a sycophant with a 'trusted' team player. Hence, I feel that the way this question has been portrayed is not in the right direction (if that is not what you meant).

With your latest response wherein you have said:

a. "When the boss changes, you try to be the favorite of the new boss! It's a posture one is taking, not something incidental..."

My answer to this would be, how much time are you putting in to be your boss's favorite? Every time there is a change of boss, you start all over again to impress him. You can simply get away with this by 'performing well'. In that case, you wouldn't even have to approach your boss; instead, he/she will come to you asking who is Mr. 'X', heard a lot about him. I am talking about 'distinguishing' yourself by means of excellent performance and the respect earned by your team members. That way, you won't confine yourself to only being your boss's favorite but also a favorite to everyone in the company, including the CEO.

What I mean to say is: You need not flatter or butter up your boss; your 'actions' themselves will speak. Trust me, the respect you earn that way goes a long way, ensuring that your credibility will not depend on the mercy of one boss or another but on something innate in you - your attitude, your talent, your capability, and on top of that, the 'respect' and 'trust' you will earn from your fellow members. This is a lot about your personality, Nikhil, and nothing else. I strongly feel that 'favoritism' is sought by those who don't 'trust' themselves.

Let me know if this satisfies your query or if, like most others, I too have misinterpreted anything.

Sunita

Dear Mr. Abdul Khadir,

Sir, I have read all of your responses related to this query and really appreciate the way you have responded. It's quite impressive. Thank you for your wonderful contribution and suggestions.

Many regards,
Sunita

Idealistically, a trusted team player should be the boss's favorite - this is the best situation. But it seems pure idealism doesn't work anymore in this cutthroat corporate culture. I have seen the most incompetent team member being declared by the boss as the best officer, simply because he is his "yes man," making competent ones dejected and frustrated. This kind of boss's attitude has become more rampant in PSUs. They don't even bother about the morale of the organization.

And of course, it depends upon the culture of the organization, but then organizational culture always follows the path downhill. As for me, I believe a trusted team player is always better, whether he/she is the boss's favorite or not.

Regards,
Sunita

Don't worry Sunita M. You'll never be confused with me because your ID will always be reflecting differently from mine.

Dear Ms. Sunita,

You are most welcome. I am really enjoying my analysis about MATURITY LEVELS in HUMAN BEINGS where this forum had supported/provided me lots of information. Well, I don't want to comment anything about individual MATURITY LEVELS, but I found many living VIRTUAL LIFE because "IMPOSSIBLE IS ALWAYS THE UNTRIED". Truth will triumph, and none but the brave deserve the crown.

Good Luck.

A trusted team player is better because by being so, we'll be able to produce efficiency, and thereby the boss will get laurels on behalf of his team. This way, we can become his favorite.

Dear friends,

I am working in a retail garment showroom as an HR Manager. Kindly suggest some appraisal systems for sales executives related to the retail area.

Regards, Nithya

SAK,

Even if the boss goes wrong, he has the final word! Therefore, they say that the boss is always right.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Nikhil,

Maybe from your perspective but not from mine.

Even if I am given an opportunity to deliver the role of a President, MD, or CEO (at the TOP MANAGEMENT LEVEL, I had already served KES, GULBARGA as SECRETARY GENERAL, the 2nd Position in the Hierarchy, managed a turnover above 15CR), neither will I ever say that THE BOSS IS ALWAYS RIGHT nor will I allow my TEAM to say/preach the same. A successful BOSS will make his/her team say "WE ALL ARE ALWAYS RIGHT," this will inculcate a similar thought process without creating any conflicts/misunderstanding within employees and between the boss and employees.

THE BOSS is not a GOD.

One of my friends had defined those who blindly say THE BOSS IS ALWAYS RIGHT as "HONEST FOOLS OF THIS WORLD," and I agreed with him because he too loves to speak the facts.

Have a nice day.

With profound regards

Interesting, Sunita, you didn't misinterpret it completely. However, the boss's favorite being equated to being totally incompetent is something that was never implied.

The boss only reinforces the values of the organization. Believe me, the science of impression management revolves around this question. By ignoring the factor that the boss's favorite gains due to his impression management skills, you might not ensure a good or fair performance appraisal system. At the same time, it also means that employees are often disillusioned about their rating criteria and the dynamics of impression management. Now, the best part: If you think that the impression made to the boss is not a deliverable, then it could be a recruitment and a cultural issue as well.

Many have raised the question of ethics. Well, in the world of ethics, you have personal ethics and corporate ethics. Believe me, employees of a company known to be viewed as a 'fraud' company also get a shade of that on them. Ultimately, everyone needs to align with the organization. Aligning with the organization means aligning with the needs of the organization, those that are administered through the bosses to their subordinates. Hence, the recruitment issue.

And Sunita, making a personality typification could be avoided for a question raised doesn't mean much, unless you study all the other questions put up as well!

Hello Mr. Nikhil,

Greetings for the day!

1. Boss's favorite = totally incompetent is something that was never implied, neither did I... but then I feel your question itself was not very clear, because when you directly ask "Which is better: Being a boss's favorite or a 'trusted' team player?" I don't think the answer is too difficult and that's what most of us have responded with. So it's better if you reframe the question adding all those qualities to the Boss's favorite which you are saying much later in the discussion. I am sure you will get different replies in that scenario.

2. 'boss only reinforces the values of the organization'. Do you really agree with that? Does this statement not suggest that all the bosses on this earth have a very high level of values in them and that they are simply too perfect to go wrong ever? If even a single boss fails to stand up to your statement, then I would say that you need to revise your statement.

3. What do you mean by impression management? I would like to give you a real-life example... In one of the companies I worked with: I had 2 executives directly reporting to me 'X' and 'Y':

'X' was the one who was very humble, would take care of me (as in whenever I'm not well, he would make calls asking about my well-being, assure me that I should not worry about things, and offer to get me some medicines, etc.). He was the one who would ensure that my table is clean and that all the files and documents are there before I reach my desk. He followed all the guidelines set by me and never fell out of line. This guy had really created an excellent impression on me.

'Y' was the guy who didn't make a single call to me and was rather surprised to know that I was not well the other day. Anyways, after reaching the office, his first statement was: "Ms. Sunita, would you like me to update you with what happened yesterday, since you were not present? These many things took place in the office, these are the minutes of meetings of the HOD meet that happened yesterday, and I have emailed the rest of the official reports to you. You may kindly check and henceforth ask me for any other thing that you might not have been updated with." Nonetheless, this was the guy who might not have talked to me about my personal things ever, but then was an excellent performer and a true professional.

As their Manager, I had to promote one of them as a Sr. Executive during the year-end appraisal. Whom do you think I had?

Let me tell you, it was undoubtedly Mr. 'Y', who created a sense of trust, who made me feel that I can leave my department to him whenever needed. And this shows the 'PERSONALITY' I, as a manager, possess. I being a manager, don't need someone who butters me all the time, rather I need a performer... and performance speaks for itself.

Mr. Nikhil, I would like to say that I never intended any personality typification (when I say 'your personality', it doesn't mean yours but 'any person' in general). So, kindly don't misinterpret this. The last thing I would want to do on this forum is to hurt anyone's sentiments.

Lastly, I feel whenever we open a thread, we should be open to accepting feedback and comments... however, in this scenario, it doesn't look like as if anyone can ever convince you with a point of view which you do not possess.

Henceforth, if you feel being a Boss's favorite is more important than being trusted, then it's your perception, and I think any further discussion on this would not be a very good utilization of time.

Wish you all the luck!

Sunita M.

Sunita,

In fact, I have learned a lot from this thread. And that is just because I am open to views of people.

1. Going by the answers received, it seems the decision could be different. Let me try to summarize what our fellow members have told: It is better to be a trusted team player because they believe team spirit is a very crucial skill in today's environment. They also believe that organizations change, hence today's advantage may not be tomorrow's. Some people said that it might hurt their ethics at times. There is another school that believes that whatever is said, it is better to be a favorite.

Let us understand who becomes a favorite (and this was where I was requesting (Cite Contribution) and possibly Archana because their research and white papers could well provide insight to us). A boss's favorite is often the guy whom the boss can rely upon. Bosses tend to rely upon people who meet certain criteria. I know people who do good work, but they keep an aura of 'sadness' around them because they feel they are not sufficiently supported or rewarded. They are trusted team players, guys with good skills, but they are never the boss's favorite. And the majority of the posts on this thread indicate that they are in the right posture. On the other hand, there are others who do it, but are pretty 'happy' and help the boss maintain the impression that they are really feeling 'great' about what they do. Naturally, a boss would like that. This is not a generic example, so the facts of the case may not be complete and amenable to analysis. At the same time, I have talked to such folks about trying to 'become the boss's favorite'... and they are not quite understanding the meaning of it.

As HR, you can easily identify if there is some favoritism going on in the company during the performance appraisals. And we might agree to the fact that these guys are growing faster in the organization. For political reasons, we may want to deny it. However, we know it still exists.

2. If the boss doesn't reinforce the values of the organization, nobody else can! A hierarchy in an organization is defined precisely with this objective. If you don't agree with that, I would be surprised. Who else do you think reinforces the values? The HR?

And you will find bosses who don't and that is where there are problems in the organization!

3. I know our MBA textbook had a section on Impression Management. I am unable to recall as it was years ago... However, here are some links.

[Impression management - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impression_management)

[OPP](http://opp.com) *[link updated to site home]*

You could find more just by Googling... I prefer the library instead!

4. In Queen's English (which we follow in India), the reference is always one's personality. Your Personality means something addressed to a specific person! Thanks for your clarification.

5. It is interesting to see how fellow HR professionals have different views across the spectrum. In practice, however, I am not sure how many of us can ensure we follow what we stated out here. Personally yes, but as organizations... am not sure. My view was based on people growing in organizations... fast-track employees... And I see nothing wrong with either. So long as my business need is met! So, I am apolitical, although amazed at the number of people who tend to underrate the importance and the dynamics of impression management.

Hello Mr. Nikhil,

Greetings for the day!

It's been quite enriching to go through your posts. Thanks for all the contributions you made.

Not taking much of your precious time this time, I simply would like to emphasize on what I have already said. Please see:

YOUR STATEMENT

"A boss's favorite is often the person whom the boss can rely upon. Bosses tend to rely on individuals who meet certain criteria. I know people who do good work, but they exude an aura of 'sadness' around them because they feel they are not sufficiently supported or rewarded. They are trusted team players, individuals with good skills, but they are never the boss's favorite. The majority of the posts on this thread indicate that they are in the right position. On the other hand, there are others who do the same tasks but are quite 'happy' and help the boss maintain the impression that they are really feeling 'great' about what they do. Naturally, a boss would appreciate that."

MY STATEMENT

"Boss's favorite = totally incompetent was something that was never implied, nor did I.... but then I feel your question itself was not very clear. When you directly ask 'Which is better: Being a boss's favorite or a 'trusted' team player?' I don't think the answer is too difficult, and that's what most of us have responded with. So it's better if you reframe the question adding all those qualities to the Boss's favorite which you are mentioning much later in the discussion. I am sure you will get different replies in that scenario."

Also, your query itself was a generic question not meant specifically for YOU (at least I didn't know), hence my reply was also directed towards a generic person, not specifically to YOU. So, once again, my apologies if it made you feel that way.

Thanks,

Sunita M

When you have to choose between the two, it is good to be your boss's favorite.

Amar bir singh

I think being a boss's favorite is better than being a "trusted" team player in a few industries in the current job situation. Why? Because one of my friends is a sincere, trusted team player and a hardworking employee, but he does not have the buttering up nature in his life. This nature hurt him a few months back because an employee who was in the same position as my friend, and was also trained by my friend in the current job responsibilities, got a promotion.

My friend lost the promotion opportunity only because he does not have the buttering up nature like his colleague who did and got the promotion. Not being a boss's favorite can result in a loss in professional life.

Greetings,

I can barely wait to read that! Please let us know if we can contribute.

Regards,
Cite Contribution

Dear All,

Greetings!

Reading all the threads on this topic was really great. We should believe in giving our best. At the end of the day, what matters is that you are satisfied with your work. Give your best, be a good team player, always stay ahead in the tasks assigned, and show team spirit, which itself leads to success.

Who is the boss's favorite? The employee who delivers performance. When you give 100% performance continuously, you will be able to balance both the boss and the team, as well as your customers. Being in HR, your performance speaks when your employees are happy.

Regards,
Mandeep

Being a boss's favorite or a trusted team player does not create any impact on your performance. What really matters is what you deliver as an output, within the due date and quality.

Boss's favorite - One who completes the tasks on time. Trusted team player - One who helps others genuinely to complete their tasks.

So overall, if you see, what really matters is the output of the product or the value that you add to the end customer.

Thanks, Venkat and Mandeep. Maybe you should look at Sunita's post. She has been a little more elaborate on the other view. I would look forward to your response to her post as well.

Dear Mr. Nikhil,

Greetings....

Discussions are ongoing, and I am attempting to escalate to the next level to receive a precise response from a different category of the team. After reviewing the opinions, suggestions, views, comments, and clarifications posted in this thread, I would like to pose the same query to you, considering your role as the President of a firm, and to all those members who are self-employed or entrepreneurs.

1) How do you practically perceive this query in relation to your employees and their skills, traits, the way they get things done, and how they manage their team? Please take a moment to review this thread and let me know if any of your team members have applied this methodology:

https://www.citehr.com/336422-we-can...thodology.html

We look forward to your dynamic, strategic, and practical reply. Let's all be practical when sharing our suggestions, views, opinions, etc.

With profound regards,

Hi Nikhil,

My company is a group of intrapreneurs. Everyone is a business stakeholder, and we all have business targets. However, we use the criteria for our 'task design' for employees (contract folks who are taken for delivery). So, we know what triggers an individual to work well and look at how to use them to ensure proper business results (Read Tsun Zu's Types of Wood, etc.).

At the end of the day, the guy who wants to impress often goes that extra mile to deliver more. They often understand that professional alignment also means aligning with the boss's expectations, and impression does matter (especially in a client-facing role or any politically sensitive role). Trusted team player posture is often not 'individualistic', and hence, one needs such qualities to ensure smooth operations. Ultimately, professional culture is what the leader makes of it!

My query was based on the fact that there are two schools of thought, especially in middle management. The interesting thing is, HR professionals who are supposed to be sensitive on this parameter to leverage it for each role (employee) in their organizations are outrightly rejecting one school for the other. Both have their advantages, and taking one position is like looking for a corner in a circle!

This is where the performance appraisal matters because the perception of this component can seriously affect the performance criteria. We already saw it in a post by Suneeta where the employee was 'penalized' for going that extra mile (at least, the facts in the post were restricted to make one believe so, but reality could be otherwise, as it didn't objectively say that the guy who was trying to impress was not performing).

The other aspect is that of dispute resolution. Most of the people in this forum are involved in resolving tensions in their organization. How often do they go against the bosses? Do you look at this factor when you are resolving tensions? It's anyone's guess. So, intrinsically, I am seeing a dichotomy between what is preached as a should-be and what is practiced. I find this very damaging, and it could be very frustrating to the HR professionals too. If the people in this forum have such strong opinions, we should see a different trend and role of HR. Maybe it is happening, but honestly, I am yet to see it.

Hope I answered your query.

Regards,
Nikhil

Dear Mr. Nikhil,

Perhaps you will be surprised to read my current post.

There are certain things which everyone needs to understand. I believe in a PRACTICAL APPROACH. Kindly forget about what B-SCHOOLS are teaching as I don't consider BOOKISH KNOWLEDGE/CONCEPTS. When it comes to ACADEMICS, only 20% of what we have learned is utilized practically in our PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

A) "It is not MANDATORY for an employee to IMPRESS his BOSS, but it is MANDATORY for an employee TO TRAVEL THE EXTRA MILE TO MEET COMPANY OBJECTIVES AND ALIGN HIMSELF WITH THE PERFECT WORK CULTURE." An employee can succeed in taking his organization to the PINNACLE OF GLORY provided that he is supported from every corner. EVERYONE IN EVERY ORGANIZATION - FROM TOP TO BOTTOM - SHOULD MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS (meeting their targets). This will give you A BALANCED MODUS OPERANDI.

B) In case any BOSS in this world is expecting his employee to impress him, "TAKE MY WORDS FOR GRANTED, HE IS A PSYCHO AND EGOIST BOSS."

C) I AM THE EMPLOYEE WHO WENT AGAINST MY EX-BOSS BECAUSE I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THE MODUS OPERANDI, WHICH LED THE ORGANIZATION TO INCUR LOSS. I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO GENERATE REVENUE. I TOLD YOU WILL BE SURPRISED BY READING MY POST.

D) TENSIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ORGANIZATIONS - Do you have any idea who is held responsible for CREATING TENSIONS IN RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS? What are the factors associated with it? Have you ever studied this topic?

E) Every "EMPLOYEE IS AN ENTREPRENEUR." It is the ORGANIZATION or let's say BOSS who doesn't know how to make THE BEST USE OF THEIR ASSETS/ENTREPRENEURS. Those (BOSS/HR) who have succeeded, they knew to what extent they can meet and take care of their EMPLOYEES' (ENTREPRENEURS') GENUINE requirements.

F) SMOOTH OPERATIONS - It is only possible when the organization follows A BIASED APPROACH and by giving preference and utilizing those employees who are TALENTED/SKILLED/CREATIVE/HONEST/SINCERE/DEDICATED/LOYAL, etc.

G) Kindly read Mr. Hussain's Post regarding IMPROVING LOYALTY IN EMPLOYEES:
https://www.citehr.com/336496-what-way-we-can-improve-loyality-employees.html

Last but not least, I seriously want TOP MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS and HR PROFESSIONALS NOT TO MISUSE THEIR POWERS AND PLAY WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES.

I wish I had an opportunity to meet CEO's of FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES and find out their practical views/expectations, in regard to your query.

LET'S LIVE A PRACTICAL AND CONTENTED PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

With profound regards.

Well, it depends on the situation and the workplace. It's easy to say and narrate in words, but when it comes to action, people step back from their policies and other ethical and natural aspects.

Dear SAK,

I think you are digressing from the topic. Anyway, let me answer your query. In my field of management consulting, we are close to both faculties, theory, and practice. After all, theory is the abstraction of practice. If you dump theory, you are dumping the practical aspects of millions of data points. Not every role allows one to apply theory to the fullest extent. But it doesn't mean that theory is to be dumped. If you are discounting the knowledge one learns, you are actually discounting the reason for education. If you think you needed far less education for your jobs, you might want to change the criteria of your recruitments, which your organization might not be doing at this stage. So, if you feel your views are well substantiated, you might want to steer recruitment that way.

a. No one said it is mandatory, that's why the question of options arises... The very foundation of the question was on that premise. And it isn't mandatory to go that extra mile for the organization either... You see few people doing that... Most don't!

b. Funny conclusion!!!

c. I am not surprised by your post. It is your experience. My question was fairly simple. And your post says that you didn't go against every boss of yours!

d. Funny you ask this question... As part of our engagements, we have to see the solution buy-in by all the stakeholders... So, we are many times at the heart of the tensions and have to resolve them to take things forward.

e. That's the most stupid statement made in any posts so far. Surprising how you can come to such a conclusion! And it is digressing from what I was stating. No employee takes risks as much as entrepreneurs, and no employees steer the direction of a company as much as the entrepreneur. They might be intrapreneurs, but entrepreneurs, they certainly aren't. Such flawed statements often form the premise of incorrect analysis and assessment of situations. I am sure you read of Narayan Murthy's account with the critics that could show you a little more insight.

f. I don't think that's entirely true. It's the cohesion in direction that determines how smooth the operations are; smooth operations do not mean productive operations... Please understand the difference.

g. I think that post is rather different in what it wants to explore from this one.

You need to understand that you are questioning the fundamentals of organization design and fundamentals, which is beyond what I was looking for in the discussion. Anyway, to be brief, if you have issues with bosses and their decisions, you are questioning the very premise of the chain-of-command. And there is always room for staffing issues... You might have the wrong person in the seat of the boss... which is a matter of perception and objective substantiation, that leads to fundamental assumptions... rather than making the exception a rule.

And lastly, if your bosses are very happy with you and you are his favorite, I would doubt ANYBODY in this forum (including you) to come over and tell me that he is NOT RIGHT!

Let's refrain from discussing bosses; let's focus on the question.

Dear All,
After reading all above perspectives;I am still in dilemma. I have recently joined a small group. It’s a manpower supplier agency in security services. I have been told to construct the policies for entire staff. The mess is prolonged one, as never any rule & regulation is made & maintained!! These policies will be in focus of especially for field officers who are monitoring guards at Clients sites. I am on my way; where as I feel once I start implementing the policies how my crowd will take me..?? & if I be in the team’s favor, I may face offended management!!!
Folks, I need your guidance.
Regards
Manasi

Dear Mr. Nikhil,

Nice to see your reply. No doubt, our perception levels differ and it takes time to amalgamate the same. For this, we have to continue brainstorming until we make our organizations operate based on UNBIASED PRINCIPLES that BENEFIT and MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES, ENHANCE EMPLOYEE LOYALTY, resulting in PRODUCTIVITY that benefits the ORGANIZATION.

A) Kindly don't eliminate the BOSS from the picture. Without the BOSS, it's difficult to produce the movie because the BOSS is the PRODUCER and employees are the ACTORS/ACTRESSES. When employees become PRODUCERS, they are known as "STAKEHOLDERS" - kindly correct me if I am wrong.

B) Everyone is discussing his boss/superiors rather than having discussions about "THE PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATIONS" because the BOSS is the DECISION MAKER and much more than that. A true BOSS is a PERFECT LEADER (PARTICIPATIVE/COOPERATIVE/DIRECTIVE) and is held responsible for everything as he is the one who drives GROWTH/PROFIT or FAILURE/LOSS in the whole organization (employees). However, a query arises on what principles a Boss wants to run/manage/steer his organization. An organization is an entity (it has no life) and EMPLOYEES constitute the organization.

C) Kindly don't conclude that ENTREPRENEURS are habitual of taking risks to propel their organization without seeking EMPLOYEE SUPPORT. EMPLOYEES do take an enormous amount of risk to propel their organization to the PINNACLE OF GLORY. IT'S A TEAMWORK. Only such employees have the potential to LEAD TEAMS and scale up the MANAGEMENT LADDER.

D) "BEING A BOSS FAVORITE" is a flimsy/cheap mentality selfishly promoted and practiced by EMPLOYEES and BOSSES to get their Professional and personal things done. However, a TRUSTED TEAM PLAYER is a TRUE EXAMPLE OF BEING HONEST, SINCERE, DEDICATED, HARDWORKING, and LOYAL EMPLOYEE.

E) Why has no one raised a query, instead of becoming the BOSS'S FAVORITE, "Why can't one be an ORGANIZATION'S FAVORITE and What factors associate one with becoming the ORGANIZATION'S FAVORITE?" Hope this makes sense.

F) A TRUSTED TEAM PLAYER's vision is "WHAT BEST CAN BE DONE IN FAVOR OF HIS ORGANIZATION FOR MEETING ORGANIZATION OBJECTIVES," but a BOSS FAVORITE is interested in his PERSONAL GROWTH FACTORS, for which he is ready to do anything to convince his boss without even evaluating the POST-CONSEQUENCES.

G) The term BOSS FAVORITE should be erased with immediate effect, as it is one of the reasons for conflicts between employees. BOSSES should promote employees based on their HONEST ABILITIES, TRAITS, SKILLS, TALENT, CREATIVITY, and UNSELFISH NATURE that benefit the ORGANIZATION and EMPLOYEES.

H) FUNNY CONCLUSIONS are the most PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS. Only those who have experienced certain things will speak boldly and openly as they know IT IS FACTS BASED ON TRUTH.

You wrote, "if your bosses are very happy with you and you are his favorite, I would doubt ANYBODY in this forum (including you) to come over and tell me that he is NOT RIGHT!" It is a ONE-SIDED BIASED RELATIONSHIP. I want to raise this query and I would like to know, "WHETHER EMPLOYEES ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR BOSSES?" "WHAT MAKES ONE TO SAY, BOSS IS EITHER ALWAYS RIGHT OR JUST RIGHT?" You can relate this to my POINT A and your TOPIC.

I am playing DUAL ROLES - A BOSS and TRUSTED TEAM PLAYER while submitting my practical reply. Else, my reply would have been BIASED.

Have a nice day.

With profound regards

SAK,

So, you are saying that you should never attempt to be the boss's favorite? Is the interpretation correct? If yes, don't you think it is an extreme view?

Dear Mr. Gurjar,

I seriously don't wish to be a BOSS FAVORITE. I stick to my decision where I want to be a TRUSTED TEAM PLAYER and always love to be the ORGANISATION'S FAVORITE. Let every employee of the organization LOVE ME, ADORE (not to pray to ME), RESPECT ME, TRUST ME, SEEK MY ADVICE, and I am there to guide them toward the right path and MORE....

Let my BOSS TREAT ME AS HIS FAVORITE, I have no issues.

In the future, with the grace of the ALMIGHTY, if I start my own company or happen to play a ROLE @ CEO LEVEL:
1) I don't even want any employee to dream about "how to become the BOSS'S FAVORITE."
2) I don't even want any of them to "IMPRESS ME," but I want everyone to deliver their ROLES with PASSION, demonstrate their CREATIVITY, UNLEASH their HIDDEN TALENTS, MEET THE ORGANIZATION'S OBJECTIVES, BUILD PRODUCTIVE TEAMS, LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIPS, for which I will compensate them proportionately.
3) I want everyone to be the ORGANIZATION'S favorite as I want to promote UNBIASED RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST - A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WHICH MONEY CAN'T EVEN AFFECT/SHAKE/DESTROY IT. This should benefit every individual employee where I can proudly use the word "WE."
4) I want employees NOT TO LOSE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR ORGANIZATION just for the sake of MONEY.

BEING NO.1 is not a big deal/task but RETAINING IT makes a BIG DIFFERENCE. Hope you understood why I don't want to be the BOSS'S FAVORITE...

TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE CURRY, in a similar way, TOO MANY BOSS FAVORITES WILL KILL THE BOSS. Instead of confusing a BOSS and putting him into circles, let him enjoy his life....

Please do feel free to share anything if you like to.

With profound regards,

Hello, Mr. Nikhil,

"So, are you saying that you should never attempt to be the boss's favorite? Is the interpretation correct? If yes, don't you think it is an extreme view?"

What is so extreme about this view, Mr. Nikhil? Which age are you living in? Bureaucracy has changed after independence... :)... If I am not wrong, then I have worked with the best of the Fortune 500 companies, and the philosophy of each one of those companies was "You don't work for your boss, but you work for the company"... So if Mr. S. Khadir has the viewpoint that he never tried to impress his boss, what's so extreme about it? Even I never tried to impress my boss... Rather, all my bosses used to get impressed by my performance, and at the end of the day, we were good friends rather than having a boss-subordinate relationship.

I really feel that one should broaden his/her thought process before delving so deep into sensitive topics like this... Time has changed, Mr. Nikhil... Gone are the days when bosses used to have command over their subordinates. Organization culture is changing very fast... You can't expect anymore to be a boss and command your subordinates (if so, sorry to say, you are going backward in the race)... Now the subordinates say to their respective bosses, "I don't work under you... I work with you"...

Hope you understand my viewpoint, and if not, then I would say there is a lot of cultural gap between the experiences of those two groups... One who feels it is important to be the boss's favorite and one who feels it is important to rely on one's actual performance...

There is no harm in thinking either way, and as mature people on this forum, we should come to the conclusion that perspectives differ from person to person... I completely understand that not everyone can have the aura and charisma to stand alone and prove themselves to a level where the boss himself/herself will come to appreciate their performance... There are people who reach that level by different means (by trying to impress their boss in other ways than demonstrating actual performance)... and it is their self-perspective... We can't judge anything as 'black' or 'white' here... At times, it's better if things remain 'grey'... which is the case here...

Once again, I would say it's all about one's personality...

Hope that you understand (if not accept) my viewpoint this time and would take this discussion to some conclusive mode...

Regards,

Sunita

Sunita M.

Sunita,

I understand your view. Like I said, there might be situations that warrant the other posture. If you completely discount the need of that posture, which is what you did, don't you think it's an 'extreme' view? Especially considering that this phenomenon can cloud any performance appraisal system, it is vital to keep a check on both the schools, don't you think... As for bureaucracy, you know it better :-) Agreed, you don't want to be the Boss's favorite. How do you keep a check on this phenomenon? Like I said, in resolving tensions at your company, how do you factor this aspect? Just curious.

It's like corruption... some decades ago, the government used to deny it, yet it was there, and today it has changed the way the system functions...

Question to moderators...

Can I directly download a discussion? Since I am now analyzing this discussion in detail, I need to download it (11 pages is too long)... Can we do it? If so, how. Please share it with the others as well as it could benefit them.

Dear Nikhil,

Let me check if we could convert this to a PDF or some other format. Allow me to revert on this.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Dear Nikhil,

Please find the document attached. It's three pages now. I hope it helps in your study. Wish you all the best!

Regards,
Cite Contribution

To achieve a promotion, it's important to be the boss's favorite. If you desire job security and positive referrals from other companies, focus on being a valuable team player.

In my opinion, you need to be both a trusted team player who is competent and a boss's favorite as well because your behavior has to be good towards your boss and other team members. I know many people who were competent but were fired from their jobs because of their adamant and arrogant behavior. Every boss would love a competent subordinate, but no boss will tolerate bad behavior. A person with a good relationship with their boss and is competent will always progress faster than a person who is competent but has a poor relationship with their boss.

Regards,
Amar Bir Singh

Hi,

Being a trusted team player is always favorable; this automatically makes you a favorite of all. You can then play both roles as a trusted team member and as a favorite. That's how I feel successful corporate life is.

Thanks,
DP

Always be a trusted team player. Never be your boss's favorite. Because it's the team with whom you spend most of your time, and that too not only in the office but in personal ways too. The boss is someone who gives you a promotion, and that too only once in 2 or 3 years, but teammates are the ones who stay with you always through all your ups and downs in work as well as in personal life sometimes.

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