Flattering The Boss: Path to the Boardroom or the Doghouse?

They say "flattery will get you nowhere," and perhaps in some instances that's true; especially in the workplace.

In fact, that tactic, if ineptly used on the job, has the potential for not only backfiring big-time with an impatient boss, but also alienating fellow employees who won't waste any time derisively labeling the smooth talking co-worker as a major league "brown-noser."