How Do You Handle a Boss Who Shows Obvious Favoritism at Work?

What would you do if you have a boss who practices favoritism? He always supports one or two of his so-called closest colleagues out of about 60 employees, and it is very obvious and also known to all of the staff.

Two of his cronies have been given all kinds of power, and both of them are from a technical background. They always like to use their authority to get things done, and most of the staff are not happy with them. There is no fun in working there, and the morale of the company is very low.

What can I do if I am an employee of the company?

Dear Ganjl,

This is not an uncommon situation I think we all face at one time or another. The fact is that we can't do anything about it. Just accept it as it is because it's very difficult to change anyone's mindset. According to me, the best way to deal with such a situation is to let that person behave as they want, just be indifferent, and concentrate on your own work. At the end of the day, your work is important.

Regards,
Srishti

Hi Ganjl,

As Srishti rightly mentioned about concentrating on your performance, it is very important to perform and give results with bosses like this. The time will change, and so will the boss, so don't worry and work smartly.

Although I would like to know a couple of things: How actively involved is the HR department in your company regarding favoritism? What about the seniors of this particular person?

Thanks,
Archna

Hi!

Everyone has likes and dislikes, favorites, the not-so-favorites, and the hated. Your boss, too, is entitled to make a choice. However, what you must find out is what he/she really likes in those people. Are those the qualities that your boss lacks? If the answer is yes, then can you develop those traits, skills, attitudes, etc., to complement your boss's weaknesses?

If your organization is a one-man show (one boss and he is the top boss too), then you can pretty much not do much about it. Quitting is not the solution, as in 9/10 organizations, you are bound to meet such bosses. As mentioned earlier, focus on your work. Deliver results on time every time. Your boss is bound to take notice of your work.

Regards,
Shyamali

Hi,

The boss is always right. It is the perceptions that matter. It may be favoritism of the boss or it could be the other way around, like apple-polishing by his subordinates. If the boss is really bad and harasses everyone like hell, then there is something wrong. As Shyamali rightly pointed out, every human being has their likes and dislikes, and the boss is not an exception to this. If he shows biased favoritism towards some without giving due recognition to the work done by others, then this is an area of concern.

It always happens, and we have to take everything in our stride and strive for success - both individually and collectively, leaving aside all the trivial issues which are non-productive if not counterproductive.

Thanks,

PRADEEP

Since ample has been discussed in this topic about favoritism, the boss, etc., I would prefer to focus on the problems being experienced by the employees in Ganjil's office.

Boss excluded, two persons are being a pain to the rest of the 57. If all the employees are of the same opinion, I would strongly suggest seeking an informal meeting with the two troublemakers and expressing your findings/feelings. You need to have strong incidents to quote. Seek their frank feedback on your performance and explain how their moods and methods are demoralizing the group as a whole. Request for understanding and guidance rather than complaining and harassing. I am sure this consolidated representation will make them think and amend their ways. Still, you will have the option to talk to your boss about this later if you find that the two are not showing any sign of change. (By all probability, the two will definitely inform their boss, and the boss might even call for a meeting on this to redress the grievances.) Remember, no boss would like to have a demoralized group working for him, and seldom would a boss continue to allow his 'blue-eyed boys' to treat others in an objectionable manner.

All the best.
Venkat

Dear Archnahr,

Sorry to say that we don't have an HR Department at all; that is our boss (as a General Manager and also an employee) own management style. Our boss's secretary acts as the person in charge of HR, and she has no say in HR matters. All human resources management matters have to be decided by the GM, who is also from a technical background.

Although he (GM) keeps on saying his door is always open for discussion, he was not open when discussing certain things, such as pricing with the Marketing Manager. He wants others to follow his instructions and be a "Yes" man. He will dominate the meeting while other colleagues listen. Those against his ideas will be scolded at a later stage. I feel that he is really overbearing and building his own kingdom. I would say that he is only a Manager and not a leader at all.

Over the years, he has built a good reputation on company performance, and the board of directors is quite pleased with his performance. However, recently I observed that he has made several major decisions without informing the Board, which I think, to a certain extent, has misused his power.

Recently, the GM proposed to start a new project that could cause a big burden on the company in the future. Our colleagues feel that the project might lead to a significant drop in profits in the years ahead through borrowing from the bank. I really thought of informing the matter to one of the directors and also notifying him of the project. I sincerely hope that this project will not materialize.

Looking at what has been done until now, I am very disappointed with his recent performance, and I am prepared to quit from the company if the situation does not improve.

Hi,

As long as you are giving your 200% and not involved in dirty politics, nobody can play a game with you. Hard work is hard work, and it always pays off. Only bad or unethical people are involved in this kind of stuff.

Regards,
Vinay
9866254387

Hi,

I really want to add that few employees are favored by our boss in increments, in any type of help it's good, but why these few people? This thing makes employees more aggressive, and employees are leaving the organization because of this reason. But I can't help it because the boss is involved there. When I convey this feeling of employees to him, he has not taken any action. Then I talk with his wife; she is also the director. The consequences are that he is now totally against me. Now, he is with a few employees on one side, and I am only on the other side. So, we can't do anything for people who are working for the organization. They are working, but resentment is there. They can't convey it to the boss because of the fear of losing their jobs. Do you feel that this kind of discrimination should be done in the organization?

Thanks,
Charanjit