Professors Ithai Stern and James Westphal identified seven effective forms of ingratiation most likely to help executives win board seats:
First is to frame flattery as advice seeking — such as “How were you able to close that deal so successfully?”
Second, argue before accepting a manager’s opinion; do not agree immediately.
The researchers also recommend complimenting the manager to friends in his or her social network.
Fourth, frame flattery as likely to make the manager uncomfortable (e.g. “I don’t want to embarrass you but your presentation was really top-notch. Better than most I’ve seen.”).
Next, agree with the manager’s values before agreeing with his or her opinions.
Expressing agreement with those values to people in the manager’s social network is another effective form of ingratiation.
Finally, bring up potentially common affiliations with the manager, such as a religious organization or political party.