Sycophancy Vs. Authenticity

While 'Sycophancy' is defined above, I believe that 'Authenticity' won't be needing a definition as such, ain't it? :) For further understanding on sycophancy, below are a few illustrations that I have picked from Dilbert (by Scott Adams). Let's have a look:

1) Allen nods whenever his boss talks

2) "Brilliant!" to all the plans by his pointy-haired boss and remain eternally WOW-ed by him, DA!

3) Allen thinks Sycophancy is the way to go for any career advancements

Just to make a point clear to avoid any confusion on appreciating and being appreciated-- Genuine appreciation is always healthy and should be sportingly given and received without any thought of hierarchy order or any intentions to expect something in return of it. However, when someone starts planning the compliments and gives the compliments they don't really feel true (i.e. false flattery), it is then that it becomes an example of sycophancy.

As they say 'keep it simple' and it always works but sycophants on the contrary are always trying to impress someone or the other to suit their best interest so by doing so they actually complicate everything for themselves. Let's see how:

• They are giving the power or responsibility of their career (growth/ advancement) in someone else's hand- which is so not right. It is 'We' ourselves who should take the responsibility for our life in general and our career in particular.
• With the expectation of how the efforts of sycophancy will pan out, I'm not sure how much peace can be there in the mind of a sycophant- as he/she must always be thinking of the results and if they will match their expectations or not.

My point, sycophancy is for people who are not sure of themselves and their capabilities. If the path to success they choose lies in insincerity, false flattery and fakery, good luck to them. They may win a promotion or two, but they aren’t ever going to be a true leader. True leadership is about character and spine. Success comes from authenticity: being true to what you are and speaking what you actually think.

(Ref: http://www.sunwords.com/2009/05/11/is-flattering-your-boss-a-good-strategy/)