Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

Here's how you can handle a boss who shows favoritism or plays favorites.

Navigating a workplace where your boss plays favorites can be frustrating and demoralizing. It's essential to handle the situation with care to maintain your professionalism and peace of mind. Favoritism can manifest in many ways, such as unequal opportunities, disproportionate praise, or preferential treatment. While it's a challenging dynamic, there are strategies you can employ to mitigate its impact on your career and well-being.

1 Assess Objectively

Before reacting to perceived favoritism, take a step back and assess the situation objectively. Consider whether the favoritism is based on merit or personal bias. Sometimes, what appears as favoritism could actually be a boss rewarding performance and hard work. If, after careful observation, you still believe favoritism is at play, document specific instances where it has affected you or your colleagues. This record can serve as a basis for any discussions you might have with your boss or human resources.

Add your perspective

K.TNATARAJAN K.T.NATARAJAN

Master's degree at Loyola College
Report contribution
THIS HAPPENS ONLY IN PRIVATE COMPANIES NOT IN ANY GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION BECAUSE GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION CONSIDER ONLY THEIR DATE OF JOINING IN PRIVATE COMPANIES THEY FOLLOW PERFORMANCE THAT DON’T HAVE ANY IMAGES ONLY WORD OF PERFORMANCE 25 YEARS SERVICE PERFORMANCE REVIEW BY SOME ROADSIDE PORAMBOKE OF OTHER COMPANIES DON’T HAVE SINGLE DAY PERFORMANCE IN THAT COMPANY

Like

2 Stay Professional

Maintaining professionalism is crucial, regardless of the circumstances. Continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability and avoid gossiping about the situation with coworkers. This can be challenging, but it's important to focus on what you can control—your own actions and reactions. By staying professional, you protect your reputation and ensure that you're not giving your boss any reason to overlook your contributions.

Add your perspective

3 Build Relationships

Strengthening your professional relationships can be a powerful antidote to favoritism. Get to know your boss better and understand their expectations and preferences. This doesn't mean you should engage in flattery or insincere behavior, but rather seek genuine ways to improve your working relationship. Additionally, build a strong network within your organization. Having allies and advocates can provide support and open up new opportunities.

Add your perspective

4 Communicate Effectively

If favoritism is impacting your work or morale, it may be necessary to communicate your concerns. Approach the conversation with your boss calmly and professionally. Focus on how the situation makes you feel and the impact it has on your work, rather than accusing them of being unfair. If direct communication doesn't seem like a viable option, consider discussing the issue with human resources or a trusted mentor for guidance.

Add your perspective

5 Enhance Skills

Use this challenge as an opportunity to enhance your skills and increase your value within the company. Take on new projects, seek out professional development opportunities, and demonstrate your commitment to your role. By improving your skill set, you not only make a case for yourself against any biases but also prepare for future career advancements, whether within your current organization or elsewhere.

Add your perspective

Harish Kotian

Manager | Diploma Human Resource Management (HRM) "HR Payroll & Operations Professional | Driving Accuracy, Streamlining Processes, Ensuring Compliance, & Enhancing Employee Satisfaction"
Report contribution
Enhance Skills: Focus on continuously improving your skills and performance to demonstrate your value to the team and organization. Network and Build Relationships: Build positive relationships with other colleagues and supervisors to broaden your support network within the organization. Evaluate Options: Assess whether the situation improves over time and be prepared to explore alternative career opportunities if necessary.

Like

6 Seek Support

Lastly, don't hesitate to seek support from peers or external networks. Talking to someone who understands can provide relief and perspective. Peer support groups, professional associations, or even career coaches can offer valuable advice and help you navigate the complexities of dealing with favoritism at work. Remember, you're not alone in facing these challenges, and seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Harish Kotian

Manager | Diploma Human Resource Management (HRM) "HR Payroll & Operations Professional | Driving Accuracy, Streamlining Processes, Ensuring Compliance, & Enhancing Employee Satisfaction"
Report contribution
Seek Feedback: Request regular feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. Stay Professional: Maintain a positive attitude and avoid engaging in office politics. Maintain professionalism at all times, regardless of any perceived favoritism, to uphold your reputation and credibility. Document Instances: Keep a record of any instances of favoritism you observe. Discuss Concerns: If comfortable, address your concerns directly with your boss in a professional manner.

Like

Here's how you can handle a boss who shows favoritism or plays favorites.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Objectively

2 Stay Professional

3 Build Relationships

4 Communicate Effectively

5 Enhance Skills

6 Seek Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Peer Support

More relevant reading

Here's how you can handle a boss who shows favoritism or plays favorites.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Objectively

2 Stay Professional

3 Build Relationships

4 Communicate Effectively

5 Enhance Skills

6 Seek Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills