How to Handle a Boss Who Plays Favorites: 15 Tips for Success

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Daniel Boyce

Dealing with a boss who plays favorites can be demotivating and stressful.

It can make you feel undervalued and overlooked, and may ultimately impact your job satisfaction and prospects.

However, simply resigning yourself to the situation is not an option.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to address the issue and maintain both your sanity and your career.

In this article, we’ll provide 15 tips on how to handle a boss who plays favorites, ranging from speaking up for yourself and building relationships with coworkers to seeking support from HR or a mentor and considering your options for leaving.

1. Be professional

Dealing with a boss who plays favorites can be tough, but it’s important to always remain professional, even if you feel like you’re being treated unfairly.

Show up on time and complete your work to the best of your ability, and don’t let your boss’s favoritism affect the quality of your work.

Avoid gossiping or badmouthing your boss or those getting special treatment, as this can damage your reputation and create a toxic work environment.

Instead, focus on developing your skills and building positive relationships with your colleagues.

Remember, just because your boss plays favorites doesn’t mean you can’t still be successful in your role.

2. Understand why bosses play favorites

It can be frustrating and demotivating to work for a boss who plays favorites, but understanding why they do it can help you cope with the situation.

Sometimes it may be because the boss has a personal connection with the favorite employee or they see potential in that person.

Other times, it may be because the favorite employee consistently delivers high-quality work.

Whatever the reason, it’s essential not to take it personally and focus on improving your performance. If workplace favoritism becomes intolerable or violates company policy, consider speaking to HR or finding a new job.

3. Assess the impact of playing favorites on your work and career

It’s essential to assess the impact it’s having on your work and career.

Playing favorites can create a demotivating work environment where employees feel undervalued and unappreciated.

It can also lead to a lack of trust and respect between coworkers, which can negatively impact team productivity and collaboration.

In terms of your career, you may miss out on growth and development opportunities if you’re continually overlooked for promotions or receive unfair treatment.

That said, it’s important not to let the situation defeat you. Instead, focus on finding ways to enhance your skills and value to the company to help pave the way for future success.

4. Don’t take it personally

It’s essential to assess the impact it’s having on your work and career.

Playing favorites can create a demotivating work environment where employees feel undervalued and unappreciated.

It can also lead to a lack of trust and respect between coworkers, which can negatively impact team productivity and collaboration.

In terms of your career, you may miss out on growth and development opportunities if you’re continually overlooked for promotions or challenging assignments.

That said, it’s important not to let the situation defeat you. Sometimes it’s just human nature.

Instead, focus on finding ways to enhance your skills and value to the company to help pave the way for future success.

5. Build strong working relationships with your colleagues

It’s essential to build strong working relationships with your colleagues.

By doing so, you can create a supportive network that will help you navigate the situation and maintain your motivation.

Seek out colleagues who share similar interests or work in the same field and connect with them over shared experiences.

Don’t be afraid to collaborate with them on projects, and ask for feedback on your work.

Also, remember to respect others’ opinions and avoid taking advantage of their support.

Building strong working relationships will not only help you deal with a boss who plays favorites, but it will also help you succeed in your career.

6. Keep your emotions in check

It can be challenging to keep your emotions in check.

You may feel upset, angry, or resentful, which can lead to unprofessional behavior that could damage your career.

So, it’s essential to retain your composure and remain a professional relationship with your boss.

Don’t let your emotions guide your actions and avoid reacting impulsively.

Instead, try to stay objective and logical in your approach.

If you’re finding it hard to regulate your emotions, take a step back and practice self-care techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or exercise.

Keeping your emotions under control will help you deal with a difficult situation more effectively.

7. Document instances of favoritism

It’s essential to document instances of favoritism.

Keeping accurate and detailed records of how the preferential treatment is affecting you and your colleagues is crucial, especially if the situation escalates.

Be sure to record specific incidents as they occur, including dates, times, and details of what happened.

These notes will come in handy if you decide to speak to HR or senior management about your concerns.

Additionally, documenting instances of favoritism can help you stay objective and assess the situation more clearly, leading to better decisions and outcomes for your career.

8. Talk to your boss about how you feel

Dealing with a boss who plays favorites isn’t easy, but if you feel comfortable, you can try talking to your boss about how you feel.

It’s crucial to approach the conversation calmly and professionally and explain how the favoritism is impacting your work and morale.

Focus on specific incidents or management decisions, and try to stay objective in your approach.

Remember, it’s a two-way conversation, so be prepared to listen to your boss’s perspective as well.

While this approach may not always lead to change, it’s a positive step toward addressing the issue and finding a resolution that works for everyone.

9. Be proactive and seek feedback from your boss

When dealing with a boss who plays favorites, it can be helpful to be proactive and seek feedback from your boss.

Ask for their opinions on your work and areas that you can improve.

This will show that you’re committed to your job and career growth, and it may help you gain new skills that will make you more valuable to the company.

Additionally, seeking feedback will help you stay focused on your goals and keep you motivated, even in the face of favoritism.

Finally, receiving feedback is an opportunity to build a better working relationship with your boss, which can lead to positive outcomes in the long run.

10. Show your value and expertise

It’s important to show your value and expertise to demonstrate your worth to the company.

One way to do this is by taking on additional responsibilities whenever possible.

By going above and beyond what is expected of you, you will demonstrate to your boss that you are deserving of recognition and respect.

Additionally, make sure to document your successes and accomplishments and share them with your boss regularly.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and use it to improve your performance.

By consistently demonstrating your value and expertise, you may be able to change your boss’s perception of you and earn the recognition you deserve.

11. Look for opportunities to shine

One way to handle a boss who plays favorites is to look for opportunities to shine.

This means taking on projects or tasks that will showcase your skills and abilities.

Make sure to communicate your successes to your boss and keep them updated on your progress.

By doing this, you will not only be demonstrating your value to the company, but you will also be showing your boss that they should pay attention to your contributions as well.

It can be frustrating to work with a boss who plays favorites, but by focusing on your performance, you can increase your chances of being recognized and rewarded.

12. Seek support from HR or a mentor

It can be overwhelming and challenging to address the situation alone.

That’s where seeking support from HR or a trusted mentor can be beneficial.

HR can offer guidance on how to address the situation, provide a neutral third-party perspective and possibly even mediate a conversation with your boss.

A mentor, on the other hand, can help you navigate the situation based on your own experiences and advice.

Relying on others for support and guidance shows that you’re taking the situation seriously and are actively seeking ways to improve it.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

13. Consider your options for leaving

If you find that you’ve tried multiple ways of handling a boss who plays favorites and is still feeling undervalued or unsupported, it may be time to consider your options for leaving.

Sometimes the best choice is to move on to a new opportunity where you can have a fresh start and work in a more positive environment.

As you weigh your options, consider what you’re looking for in a new job or work culture, and what you want to avoid.

Leaving a job can be scary, but it can also lead to personal and professional growth.

Just remember, you deserve to work in a supportive and fair workplace.

14. Stay positive and focused on your goals

Dealing with a boss who plays favorites can be frustrating and demotivating.

However, it’s important to stay positive and focused on your goals.

Don’t let a difficult boss drag you down or make you question your self-worth.

Instead, take control of your career by setting goals and working towards them.

Build a support network of coworkers, friends, or family who can help you stay motivated and encouraged.

By staying focused on your long-term goals, you can keep a positive mindset and avoid being consumed by negativity.

Remember, you have the power to create your success, regardless of a boss who plays favorites.

15. Know when to walk away

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a boss who plays favorites is to know when to walk away.

If you’ve tried everything you can to address the situation and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to change, it may be time to consider leaving for your own mental and emotional well-being.

It’s important to prioritize your health and happiness.

Remember that there are always other opportunities out there, and leaving a toxic work environment can be a step towards finding a better job and a happier career.

Don’t be afraid to make the tough decision to walk away when it’s necessary.

Conclusion

Handling a boss who plays favorites can be tough, but it’s not impossible.

By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can take steps to address the situation and make positive changes in your work environment.

Whether it’s speaking up for yourself, building relationships with coworkers, seeking support from HR or a mentor, or moving on to a new opportunity, the key is to take action and advocate for yourself.

Remember that you deserve to work in a fair and supportive workplace, and don’t be afraid to take the necessary steps to make that happen.

With perseverance and determination, you can navigate this difficult situation and come out on top.