How to deal with a coworker who sucks up to our boss? Also how do I get my boss to notice me without sucking up?

[Anonymous]

I do my job and work hard but in general none of the managers ever tell us we’re doing a good job.

[Oliverlogan263]

Here's what I'd do:

- Don't stress about the suck-up coworker. That's their lame game, you stay above it.

- Keep doin your thing to the best of your ability each day. Stay focused on your work, not impressin the bosses.

- But don't be afraid to speak up too if you got a good idea how to improve something. Show that initiative!

- Asking your manager good questions shows interest without kissin butt. Get their perspective on projects.

- Offer to take on extra responsibilities when you can. Doing more builds rep faster than excuses ever will.

- Remember bosses see everything, even if they don't say it. Steady work that helps the team will get recognized, just stay patient.

- networking with other departments could land you cool connections and opportunities down the line too.

Basically just strive to be the employee any manager would want - reliable, solutions-focused. It'll pay off, don't even sweat the competition, ya feel?

[TheGuyWhoKnowsStuff]

Firstly, is the coworker getting any benefits for sucking up? If so, then the manager is partial to that kind of behaviour although they might not respect that employee for it.

Secondly, why do you want to be noticed? Is it for career progression? If so, then there are two good ways to go about it: 1. do training courses and advise your manager what you have completed or are actively doing to be a better asset to the company; and, 2. demonstrate competence and leadership to make their job easier without overstepping your portfolio of responsibilities.

[Anonymous]

So you’re just wanting some recognition? Unfortunately a lot of places of work and bosses don’t offer any of that, which sucks because the validation is nice but so many of these employers see workers as cattle, easy to churn out and replace with another. If I were you I would just ignore it all, do my job then go home to my real life. I always told myself “pick it up at the door when I clock in, leave it when I clock out”.


We are all just people, often incompatible, trying to pay our bills and find some joy in the process or working. Things like acknowledgement, friendships, validation, etc are nice perks but try not to take it personally when you don’t receive it. On top of all that, you may just not have great employers. I’ve had bosses that are sure to say something positive to me to recognize me busting my ass for the company, others treated me like a number. It is what it is I guess.