Opinion | Why flattering your boss can be a dangerous thing

Do you like receiving praise for your accomplishments?

This is such an easy question. We all know the answer is yes. In fact, praise is something people in a position of responsibility have experienced often in their lives. It is used to mark good behaviour and accomplishments, point out who are the examples to follow and motivate everyone.

The praise initially comes from parents and teachers. Later it comes from peers, and finally from subordinates.

It sounds similar regardless of the source, so it is easy to forget one thing: praise from subordinates is also flattery. It is meant to make you feel good and have positive feelings about the person who delivered the flattery. It is part of how people manage up in order to improve their own careers.

Flattery can be honest praise, but it does not have to be honest. Does that mean we should treat it differently?

Flattery is a double-edged sword that can damage those who accept it.

Here is an example of why flattery can indicate a problem. In 2001, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Albert Dunlap, the chief executive of Sunbeam Corp, for accounting fraud. Dunlap, who was famous for turning around troubled firms and selling them for a profit, was eventually barred from serving as an officer or director in any company.