There’s a simple way employees can influence their supervisors: Help them look good.

This is a simple thing that employees (some who will be future executives themselves) can do, according to research from the Kellogg School of Management highlighted on the KelloggInsight blog.

How can this be accomplished? Employees can simply set a professional example by keeping high standards for their work. High standards help employees establish levels of credibility and competency for their supervisors, who are more likely to listen to their high-performing staff as a result.

This gives employees power to influence their bosses and some decisions they make, according to the research.

Another way this can be achieved is for employees to make sure they give comprehensive and realistic input. That can be achieved if employees develop their network across an organization, so they stay informed about its different workings and parts, according to the research.

Click on this link to read the full KelloggInsight piece – “Four Ways to Influence Your Bosses without Alienating Them.”