Who of us does not know one?

And what leader and celebrity among us does not play to them?

The infamous brownnoser.

Sycophant.

Apple-polisher, ass-kisser, backscratcher, backslapper, bootlicker, doter, fawner, flatterer, flunky, kiss-ass, kowtower, lackey, minion, teacher’s pet, yes-man, yes-person.

Here is a quick refresher. (For those of us who are Americans, the word sycophant was on our ACT exams.)

A sycophant is a person who uses flattery to win favor from individuals wielding influence.

It is no mistake that inserting a “p” in front of the word changes it to psycophant.

Even the origin of the word foreshadows the danger inherent in the brownnoser.

It is from the Latin word sӯcophanta, literally: the person showing a fig, apparently referring to the fig sign used in making an accusation, the sense was probably developed from “accuser” to “informer, flatterer.”

A groupie, on the other hand, is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a musician or other celebrity. “Groupie” is derived from group in reference to a musical group.^[1]

Female groupies in particular have a long-standing reputation of being available to celebrities, pop stars, rock stars and other public figures.

A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. The “guilt” involved is sometimes simply fear of others discovering one’s lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes.

Perhaps the guilt or uneasiness can also be ascribed to an innate knowledge that the brownnoser or groupie will eventually transform into an “accuser.”

The psychosis of the brownnoser and groupie demands a leadership or celebrity status. If perchance, the one enjoying the adulation loses their platform or influence, the energy spent in worship suddenly turns to venom.

These people are essentially parasites. Feeding off our connections, power, and notoriety, without earning it themselves, they receive support, advantage, and gratification without giving any useful or proper return.

It feels good. For both parties.

For a while.

Because these outwardly lovely and faithful friends, employees, fans, parishioners and the like, are really vampires in disguise. Cannibals. Slowly but surely sucking, eating and destroying the life of their hosts.

Those of us who have the distinction (read misfortune) of being leaders AND celebrities are doubly damned. And doubly duped.

So that begs the question, how do we combat this natural human tendency to surround ourselves with brownnosers, groupies and guilty pleasures?

1. By identifying and empowering peer to peer relationships to provide accountability.

2. By realizing the inherent dangers of hierarchal leadership structures. (i.e. “It’s lonely at the top.”)

3. By seeking friends outside our circles of influence. Friends that do not read our press releases.

4. By not believing our own press releases.

5. By employing a qualified and licensed therapist to shore up our insecurities.

6. _____________________________________________________

Questions: What thoughts and emotions does this post stir up in you?

How would you fill in #6?

What other ways can we protect ourselves from the propensity to surround ourselves with these type people?

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