Companies and bosses absolutely love high performers.
Who wouldn't want team members who consistently deliver results and are eager to go above and beyond? Being driven and successful can definitely propel you forward in both your career and personal life.
However, it might surprise you to learn that being a standout star at work could actually pose some risks if you're not cautious.
Last week I said that leaders tend to micromanage because of insecurities.
The same reasons might get you in trouble if you’re performing extraordinarily well.

Let me explain.

The dangers

Excelling at your work is awesome and definitely gets you noticed, which is great! However, sometimes your boss might not be as thrilled about it, especially if they feel a bit insecure.
They could worry that you’re eyeing their position. The key is to wow them with your skills without making them feel scared or threatened.

Always let those in higher positions shine a little brighter. It's important to impress them while ensuring they feel superior. It's a delicate balance, but if you overdo it and they start to feel threatened, they might try to get rid of you.
I've witnessed this happen quite a few times before.

How to do it

1. Ask for advice

2. Praise them

3. Make them feel superior

4. Don’t criticize

Ask for advice:
Who would you prefer as your successor: someone who knows it all and never asks for your input, or someone who values your advice? Most of us would choose the second option.
It's important to remember not to outshine your boss. Even if you feel confident in your abilities, it's wise to seek their guidance occasionally. This approach helps them feel knowledgeable and valued, which is exactly what you want.
You definitely don't want your boss to feel like you're outpacing them.

Praise them:
A great way to make friends is by giving someone a compliment in front of others. Imagine a leader who might be worried that you're eyeing their position.
They probably wouldn't expect you to sing their praises in public, especially in front of their own boss.
In fact, they might assume you'd do the opposite and criticize them to make yourself look like the better choice for the company.
Instead, try doing little things like acknowledging your boss after a success.
Let others know that your leader was instrumental in achieving a particular victory and that they are a key reason why the company and the project have thrived.

Make them feel superior:
How can you do this without seeming like an suck-up?
It's a delicate balance, but it's really important to get it right.
As I mentioned earlier, asking for their help and giving them compliments in front of others can be really helpful.
Another approach is to express admiration for their market knowledge or mention that you hope to reach their level someday.
The key is to always make them feel like they're on top. You definitely don't want your boss thinking you're outshining them!

Don’t criticize:
It's really a personal choice, but that's where empathy and emotional intelligence come into play in business.
It's actually why I launched thegentleforce.
Understanding human psychology helps you read people, especially in specific situations.

As a rule of thumb, it's best not to criticize your boss in front of others, as it can make them feel defensive.
A great leader will welcome constructive feedback in a private setting.
Sadly, many leaders might not view it as beneficial. It's crucial to understand who you're dealing with and decide if it's wise to offer criticism at all.

In conclusion

Every boss appreciates a high performer, but it's natural to worry about job security and position stability. Striking a balance between excelling at your work and not overshadowing others can be tricky.
It's crucial to do your best, but be mindful not to outshine your boss to the point where they feel overshadowed.

Seek their advice and give them compliments when others are around.
This will help you gain their appreciation and foster a positive relationship.
Help them feel valued and avoid criticizing them publicly.

It's a good idea to be great at your job, but you might not want to be so amazing that your boss starts worrying about their own job!


Thank you for reading.