Leadership Lesson: The Sneakiness of Flattery

If you are a seasoned leader you will resonate with this post. If you are an up-and-comer, listen well.

Flattery is a form of manipulation. Stay far away from it. It will destroy the trust you have worked hard to build with those you lead or follow.

I am watching a few examples currently where some younger leaders are using flattery to impress others. Unfortunately, flattery is coercion around insecurity. People who tend to use it feel that by giving shallow praise they can connect themselves more closely to the person they are insecurely wanting to be associated with.

You see, flattery is always for the person giving it. It is a positioning tactic.

Conversely, encouragement and authentic praise is always for the other person.

If you hear flattery from someone be careful. They are positioning themselves to gain something for themselves. If on the other hand you receive encouragement or authentic praise you can rest assured that this person is for you and your best interest.

Let’s train up secure, real leaders who influence others for their best first.

Posted on February 24, 2009 in Leader Development