Relationship building | How to subtly suck up to your boss

Retaining your morality in the workplace is essential; refusing to void your morals for the convenience of the company that you work for or putting the needs of your colleagues above your own are cardinal sins that only lead to disillusion and in some cases illness.

Yet, there’s a fine line to walk between being invested and making sacrifices, and creating unsustainable habits.

One such moral grey area for many is their relationship with their boss. It’s almost impossible to try and cultivate a positive relationship without being labelled a ‘suck up’ by your colleagues or even being alienated for your willingness to be seen as a reliable asset to senior management. However, who doesn’t want to be the first employee called upon when the CEO or MD needs something? Who doesn’t want to have convinced a leader with the power to make your work life a success, or a complete nightmare that they are a top asset?

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Gaining trust | 7 ways to pitch ideas to your boss

Any leader worth their salt will tell you that employees exist in all companies who simply aren’t up to task, and who therefore spend their time spreading negativity about all aspects of office life; these people are toxic to those looking to rise through the ranks, and as such, shouldn’t be acknowledged – yet this doesn’t mean that incessantly following the boss around, showering them with gifts and agreeing with their every word like so many of the ‘yes men’ in all Hollywood portrayals of the workplace, is the answer.