On Sep 11, 12:53*pm, Tman x@x wrote:
When taking lessons with a CFI, I've often had them compliment various
aspects of my performance, while also offering constructive criticism.
It seems that this behavior is right out of the pages of CFI training.

Here's my question. *Does that make the CFI a sycophant, by the formal
definition of it?

T



A sycophant is someone who, out of their own low self-confidence,
seeks validation and acceptance from a person of perceived higher
authority by unabashedly complimenting and agreeing with that person.

A good example of a sycophant is a low self-esteem guy who does
errands, and favors for a woman. "Whipped", if you will.

If the CFI in your example was giving undeserved compliments, and if
he was only doing it because he perceived you as being more
influential, then yes he is a sycophant. People referred to "Yes men"
are also sycophants.