Ass-kissing and hard work, but mostly the former. And the one cannot go without the other. I’ve realised this works in university and the work place. Ass kissing can save you from many a tricky situation, however it is not the sole way to succeed because that just makes you lazy and eventually you’ll get caught out. So, the both need to go together.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
It actually depends on what field you are in. For example a scientist working in a drug industry can't expect to go up the ladder on his charming personality. It's his work that makes him great. On the other hand a history major or a banker need to pucker up his lips.
edit: Not to sound sexist, please replace the he with he/she and his with his/her.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
ya maybe hey. It's academically challenged people like me that need to double up on the charm, and it has always gotten me further.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
Not something I cannot do unfortunately... and in this big bad world of academia it sure as hell works (ass kissing)
Oh well...maybe someday I'll be a big wig then all can kiss mine (ass)
Re: The Key(s) to Success
In academia the results are effort driven, not profit driven & thus there is room for a-kissing. At the end of the project you just have to tell people what went wrong, you don’t have to lose your job for it, especially if your tenure. In private sector it’s not the same.
I work with Staff Engineers who have no social skills at all but their work bring in revenues. I on the other hand can be tossed out at any time because engineers like me come in cheap. So I better speak with a tongue in check. 
Re: The Key(s) to Success
haha true true! Straight talking habits certainly dont help. The key is to get prominence, no matter how you do it. Another important trait to have is to talk about things when you dont know jack about them … but talk in a manner that would shame most accomplished of the individuals. I have lost count of the times when during meetings just stating the most obvious of the truths and glaring facts about a project or an issue have garnered a pat on the back.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
I haven't had to kiss ass yet. I am not particularly humble either. Anytime I need something from someone, I make sure I know the topic and am able to talk about it. Then I make sure the person knows that I am knowledgeable about it. I think the keys to success are your passion for something, your determination, and your initiative to learn about it on your own.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
Being good on paper is one thing but you gotta be good in person as well... To me thats the key to success....
Re: The Key(s) to Success
all true, and for women this is essential
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=206939
But men should not try this, because it will backfire.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
In my field of work one's gotta be hard working, opinionated
and detail-oriented to be successful. Ass kissing is the last
thing one should have going thru med-school.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
Dope you're so sexist, even if you're not being serious.
It is so attractive to see a gorgeous woman who has not taken the easy road through life (i.e. getting places through flirting even though she easily can) and is now at the top of the field. If I was a man, I would marry no one lesser than a neurosurgeon or someone like that.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
Hey if thats what it works to fool you then let it be!
Flirting always works cause its so easy to fool men with our beauty.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
The dangerous social trends that are unfolding before our very eyes are making me one, sarah.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_42/b3854001_mz001.htm
**Unmarried America **
Say good-bye to the traditional family. Here’s how the new demographics will change business and society.
Most Thursday nights, Hillary Herskowitz slips on her Seven jeans, chooses from among her dozens of shoes, and steps out for an evening sipping Ketel One and tonics with the modish throngs of Manhattan. The 35-year-old communications director and her designer-clad wing girls – a pediatrician, a health-care manager, and an executive recruiter – cruise the city’s swankiest bashes: the posh private parties, the paparazzi-stalked soirees. They don’t just watch Sex and the City. They live it.
Re: The Key(s) to Success
