Flirting your Way to a Promotion

A great deal of flirting is done for its own sake, even in the office.  Flirting is fun after all.  This doesn’t mean you can’t put it to work as way of achieving a promotion or a higher salary.  As long as you are aware of the risks, and remember to be subtle and don’t neglect your work, you should be able to get ahead at work. 

Obviously, it’s more effective to flirt with certain people than others when it comes to advancing your career.  You don’t want to be focusing all your flirtatious energy on one or two people, however.  Flirt mildly (and appropriately) with everyone, male or female.  When people know that you’re friendly with everyone, they are less likely to be concerned if you’re showing them or someone else extra attention.  Don’t neglect to give a little special attention to your superiors, though.  Just don’t be too obvious about it.

When flirting with someone, it’s important to look and feel your best.  Stay active and exercise regularly.  You’ll feel better inside and look better outside.  Pay attention to your hair and makeup.  Pick outfits that are sexy within the bounds of good taste and your workplace’s dress code.  If permitted, you can show a hint of cleavage, a bit of leg (think a skirt that ends an inch or two above the knee, not a mini), or something that fits like a glove, but never more than one of these or you’ll end up looking more desperate than sexy.  If your work environment allows it, (and if you can walk in them) wear high heels.  They’ll make you look taller and leaner and many people find them attractive.  If one of your superiors compliment something that you’re wearing, wear it or something  similar next time you know you’ll see him (don’t do this too often if you see him on a regular basis).  He’ll notice what you’re wearing and know that you’re doing it for him.

When flirting at work it’s always a good idea to be subtle.  What’s acceptable at a bar or at a party isn’t okay at the office.  This goes doubly when flirting with your superiors.  Keep the physical contact to a minimum.  When you see him, smile. Make lots of eye contact with him.   If you’re at all funny, make him laugh every time he talks to you.  Laugh if he makes a joke and tell him he’s funny.  Give him the occasional sincere compliment about the way that he dresses.  Ask him questions that show you’re interested in what he has to say.  If he asks you to help him with something, do some extra work, or stay late, say “yes” if at all possible.  This can give you an even greater opportunity to work your flirtatious magic.  Plus, he’ll remember what you did for him.

It’s important to always be professional.  Even when you’re flirting, you should inspire confidence in your abilities.  Don’t flip your hair or act ditzy.  It may not be fair, but people will draw negative conclusions about your competence and intelligence if you’re too obvious in your flirting.  Always do your job well.  You don’t want to give anyone a reason to complain about you, and even if your flirting gets you the promotion, you’ll still have to do the job.

There are several dangers associated with trying to flirt your way through your career.  Other people will pick up on it and won’t think well of you, either because they can’t flirt to get a promotion or because they’re morally opposed to the idea (which isn’t surprising when they’ve worked hard and you appear to drift along on charm.  People like to believe in a meritocracy; that if they just work hard enough, they’ll be successful.  They won’t have much respect for office flirts.  Be prepared for rumours about how you slept your way up the ladder, even if its’ not true.

A final concern is your superior’s reaction.  He may not find your attention flattering or he may be angry and feel insulted that you think you can manipulate him with your sultry gaze and touches on the arm.  Or, he may be pleased at first, then upset to discover that you are only showing interest in him for your own gain.  Although the power dynamic is reversed, if you’re persistent, you can still find yourself in hot water for sexual harassment. 

If you feel that these risks are worth it, tread carefully and find out of your flirting has any influence on how soon your next promotion or raise comes.  Keep it subtle and respectful and be aware of people’s body language, and you should find that your days at work are a lot more fun, if not more profitable.