The phrase “sycophant” is derived from the Greek phrase “sykophants,” which suggests “informer” or “false accuser.” It was initially used to explain individuals who made a residing by informing on others, usually for political or monetary acquire. Over time, the phrase “sycophant” has come for use extra typically to explain somebody who’s excessively, particularly towards these in energy.
Sycophants will be present in all walks of life, however they’re significantly frequent in politics and enterprise. They’re usually keen to say or do something to realize favor with their superiors, even when it means betraying their very own values or beliefs. Sycophants will be very damaging to organizations, as they will create a tradition of worry and mistrust. They’ll additionally result in dangerous decision-making, as leaders could also be extra prone to hearken to the sycophants who inform them what they wish to hear, fairly than the people who find themselves truly certified to offer them recommendation.