The Problem with Trying to Be the Boss's Favourite? Toxic Workplaces

Just be cool.

University of Toronto researchers find that 'upward influencers' — people who butter up and find reasons to spend time with the boss — can have both positive and negative effects on co-workers.

If there are too many upward influencers, for instance, team collaboration takes a hit, with a decline in communication, knowledge-sharing, collegial support, and group satisfaction. Basically, a toxic workplace.

"When there are one or a few upward influencers on a team, everyone seems to get along pretty well. They still talk to each other. But when more are trying to please the boss, we start to see a lack of communications within the team."

— Dr. Jee-Eun Shin

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