What to do if your boss is playing favorites—and you’re not the favorite

A survey reveals that 70% of American workers perceive favoritism in their workplaces, impacting promotions and recognition. Many believe that leadership protects underperforming favorites, harming team morale and potentially retention. Experts suggest that this favoritism might stem from unconscious bias rather than deliberate malice. Employees feeling overlooked should manage their emotions and avoid confrontations. Instead, they should proactively showcase their accomplishments to increase visibility, countering the perception of being ignored. It's crucial to self-reflect and question whether perceived favoritism is a valid assumption or a result of self-doubt. Before accusing management, consider whether individual performance warrants a different outcome. If concerns persist after self-evaluation and increased effort, a difficult but necessary conversation with the manager is advised. This conversation should focus on future improvement and team well-being, not past grievances. Approaching the conversation constructively, using facts and open-ended questions, can minimize defensiveness and foster a healthier work environment.