Flirting with your boss, is it smart?

February 19, 2012|employees, Employers, Tips At work| No comments yet

Romance in the workplace is a tricky thing to navigate, but it can sometimes lead to long and successful relationships. However, attempting to form a relationship with one’s boss is rarely a good idea. There are usually rules in the employee handbook against this, and it can lead to all sorts of unpleasant situations with coworkers who are jealous because it seems you are getting preferential treatment.

Some people flirt with their bosses without any genuine interest in a relationship but rather in an attempt to gain favor and get perks as a result. This is an underhanded tactic that often backfires because the boss will be upset if the deceit is exposed and may end up taking it out on the employee. Someone who engages in such practices might even get fired because of it.

Unfortunately, many employees do not feel secure enough to let their work stand on its own merits and instead have to try to validate themselves through the use of overt sensuality. This can begin as early as the job interview. This is never a good approach to take. If you are only getting the job because the boss has a physical interest in you, there is a good chance that you will start work and find that you are not qualified for the job you have to do.

Let your resume do the talking for you. Of course, you need to answer the boss’s questions openly and honestly, but let your past achievements and experiences recommend you rather than relying upon your physical attributes. You will be happiest in an environment in which your own unique contributions are valued. If you are only there as eye candy, before long, it will start to wear on you as you spend your work life being objectified.

Sometimes a little office flirtation is unavoidable as sparks fly between fellow employees, but don’t ever use flirtation as a means to a better job or a higher salary. This type of behavior will come back to haunt you in the end, and you will wish that you had just stuck to utilizing the skills that benefit everyone in the office equally.