Sycophancy Kills You

Sycophancy, which is flattering those in power to curry favour, may appear to bring short-term rewards, but it inevitably leads to long-term failures. In the corporate world, organisations thrive on merit, innovation and critical thinking. When individuals prioritise pleasing superiors over speaking truth or offering constructive input, decision-making becomes skewed and innovation stalls.

Sycophants create echo chambers, prevent honest feedbacks, and ultimately weaken the system they aim to serve. Such individuals may rise quickly, but their lack of authenticity and competence is eventually exposed.

Even in public life, we've recently seen how sycophancy backfires. A tall political leader, who served as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, often displayed visible hostility towards the Opposition, frequently defending the government and silencing dissenting voices. However, his sudden and unexpected resignation shocked many. It signalled that once unquestioning loyalty ceases to serve political purpose, even the most ardent defenders can be swiftly discarded.

Sycophancy has further proven disastrous. Take for example, Rajat Gupta, once a top executive at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs, whose downfall stemmed from aligning too closely with power circles and prioritising proximity over principle. Similarly, former Rajya Sabha member and Samajwadi Party leader, late Amar Singh, once a powerful political figure close to top leaders, fell from grace after being seen as a fixer rather than a contributor.

In corporate India, Chanda Kochhar, former CEO of ICICI Bank, was surrounded by a network of loyalists, but when questions of impropriety arose, her inner circle could not shield her from scrutiny.

For formidable, dynamic and successful leaders, truth and the courage of conviction has been their strength and philosophy, and they advocate against sycophancy. These are expressed through their memorable quotes. Motivational speakers, spiritual leaders and thinkers, who have spoken about sycophancy, flattery or blind allegiance, often contrast it with truth, integrity and courage:

Swami Vivekananda: “Truth does not pay homage to any society—ancient or modern. Society has to pay homage to truth or die.”
(Condemning blind allegiance and encouraging fearless truthfulness.)

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: “We should not give into flattery. We should always think independently and stand by the truth.”
(Kalam often warned youth and bureaucrats against sycophancy.)

Robin Sharma: “Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes."
(Encouraging honesty and courage over pleasing others.)

Dalai Lama: “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”
(Sycophancy thrives in opaque systems; honesty and transparency are the antidotes.)

Jordan Peterson: “Don’t say things that make you weak.”
(Flattery without belief weakens both individual and institution.)

Ultimately, sycophancy undermines trust and effectiveness. In both boardrooms and personal careers, long-term success belongs to those who demonstrate competence, courage and integrity; not those who merely echo authority. So, wake up. Stand for truth, justice and fearlessness.