Navigating Manager Bias in the Workplace: Strategies for Career Growth and Effective Communication

Hi,

I work in a reputed BPO, and the problem I am facing is that my manager has suddenly become very biased towards certain people in my team. They are getting all the additional responsibilities and all the visibility on the floor, even though they are less tenured. This has left me feeling very disappointed.

I wish to speak to my manager about this but cannot decide whether this is the right thing to do, as this might lead to a negative impression about me, which might shut down all growth prospects for me in this process. I need some valuable suggestions from the seniors.

Hi, señorita,

When addressing this matter, you should communicate with your senior in a concise and professional manner. Clearly outline the additional responsibilities you are interested in taking on and explain how they can benefit the organization and contribute to your personal growth. Seize this opportunity to progress in your career. Cheers!

Good afternoon.

Most of us do not like to hear accusations about ourselves, so if you take the confrontational route and tell your manager that he is being biased, you are right about hurting your career in your current company. However, talking to your manager in a professional manner is an option that will allow you to at least present your case for greater responsibilities. There may be many reasons for the manager providing opportunities to others and not you, and sometimes it may be because of some assumptions that he has made about you.

Build a good case for yourself - your current work, how much you have done in your current job (substantiated by your weekly and monthly reports), and why you feel you are ready (skills & abilities) to take on more responsibilities. Presenting these details along with how you can help the team (and therefore the company) grow if you are given additional responsibilities will also help you push your case in a positive manner.

Good luck.

-- Srinivas

Hi all,

Thank you so much for your replies. They have given me a clearer understanding of the possible steps I can take at this point in time. Please keep sending in those replies; I am still open to discussion on this.

Thanks again.

Suggest the following steps:

Ask your senior for some time to be heard. Start by saying that you want to discuss something about yourself. You may need to persistently request a meeting with them for 2-3 days, as such discussions typically receive the lowest priority in terms of time allocation.

Ask your senior how they have perceived your work, inquire about any areas where you may be lacking, etc. Initiating the conversation with an appraisal of your performance can be beneficial. By demonstrating your awareness of their expectations and showing a willingness to self-assess rather than complain about bias, you can garner their sympathy.

Subsequently, express your interest in taking on additional responsibilities, ensuring that you convey your commitment to addressing any shortcomings they may have identified.

Hope this helps.

Hello Senorita,

This is Ashwin, a Management consultant from Hyderabad. You can visit our website at www.freewebs.com/s9consulting.

I have noted your concerns, and I would like to suggest the following steps:

Ask your Manager and his Immediate Boss together about the roles and responsibilities to be assigned to individual team members. As a Team Lead, can you re-orient the teams with a clearer vision of the company's future plans, performance expectations, associated metrics, and conduct a mini HR training session?

Request your manager to share his vision with you so that you can better motivate your team. Discuss how you can play a crucial role in sharing his responsibilities, leading the team proactively towards their goals, and fulfilling responsibilities towards his immediate boss.

Regards,

K.Ashwin Kumar
Chief Learning Officer
S 9 Consulting
Soft Skills Training and Placements center for Telugu/Urdu/Local medium students
Email: s9guru@gmail.com
Website: www.freewebs.com/s9consulting