New Zenger Folkman Data: Kissing Up to Boss Not Effective

- Relationship With Manager Isn't Top Action To Determine Manager's Rating -

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Zenger Folkman

Oct 16, 2012, 06:06 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Boss Day, new data from Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman of leadership development firm Zenger Folkman says the solution to workplace dissatisfaction with managers lies in the hands of the worker. Surprisingly, the key levers for success with a manager don't include kissing up.

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"A common assumption that people make about improving the rating of their manager is that over-the-top efforts to score 'brownie points' helps those who stoop to that kind of behavior," said Jack Zenger, CEO of Zenger Folkman. "In reality, there are more significant steps employees can take to effectively manage their manager and receive high marks."

In a study of over 27,000 leaders, Zenger Folkman identified managers who rated their direct reports significantly more positive than others rated them and compared this group to those whose manager rated them significantly lower than others rated them. The study identified eight key behaviors that lead to success with a manager:

  1. Having strategic clarity and direction
  2. Quickly recognizing problems, trends and opportunities
  3. Looking for opportunities to improve
  4. Setting stretch goals
  5. Energizing and inspiring others
  6. Taking initiative and achieving results
  7. Embracing change and innovation
  8. Communicating powerfully

"There are significant issues that managers care about, and proactively practicing these eight behaviors will help employees earn the respect of their managers," said Joe Folkman, president of Zenger Folkman. "Our recommendation is that you select two of these behaviors that would have the greatest impact on your job assignment and where you have passion and interest in improvement."

The new book, How To Be Exceptional: Drive Leadership Success by Magnifying your Strengths, by Jack Zenger, Joseph Folkman, Robert H. Sherwin, Jr., and Barbara Steel, is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble now.  

About:
Zenger Folkman is the authority in strengths-based leadership development. Their award-winning programs employ research-based methods that improve organizations and turn good managers into extraordinary leaders.

SOURCE Zenger Folkman

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