Why being nice to your boss is a good move

London, April 30 (IANS) Being nice to your boss always pays, including better prospects and promotions, even if your are neither too bright nor suitable for the job, according to an international business survey.

The survey, commissioned by Futurestep, an international recruitment company, involving more than 1,500 firms across five continents, concluded that a poor relationship with superiors was the biggest hindrance in one's career.

The survey supports the age-old adage that it is not what you know if you want to get on in your job. Having good peer relationships was also helpful in being successful at work, it found.

Having a poor intellect was not a hurdle in the way of promotion, the study found, based on a survey of workers in Britain, America, China, Brazil, Germany, France and Australia, the Telegraph reports.

British workers were described as "decision-makers and results-focused", French employees "individualists", Germans were known as "commanders" while Australians were "doers". Workers from Brazil were "strategists", while those from China were "hard workers" and their neighbours in Hong Kong had "shrewd timing".

Experts described the findings as the 'Don Draper' effect, based on the lead character from the hit US television show, Mad Men. They said it showed that being nice to a boss was key to having a good career.

In the series, which has generated a cult following, one of the main characters Peggy is promoted from Draper's secretary to become a trusted colleague simply by maintaining their pair's strong relationship.

Byrne Mulrooney, chief executive of Futurestep, said having a "cultural fit" was important in the workplace. "In the world of work, you are hired for what you know and fired for who you are," he said.

"And of course, the bonds forged with one's boss and upper management play a lead role in career advancement," added Mulrooney.

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