To seek esteem through deference to someone. Don't just kowtow to your boss—tell him what you really think.
kowtow to someone or something
to grovel to someone or something. I won't kowtow to anyone!You don't expect me to go in there and kowtow to that committee, do you?
kowtow to
v.
To show someone or something excessive respect and obedience in order to gain or maintain favor: The peasants had to kowtow to the dictator. The staff kowtowed to every plan their boss proposed.