Favoritism in the workplace

Do you have favorites in your workplace? They are normally the ones whom you always handpick to make your workload lighter and easier.

One of the many mistakes that a manager/leader does is to play favorites among his subordinates. These lucky fellows are untouchable in the organization for they are the chosen and favored ones by their manager/leader.  

For example, if they are always late for work they are not worried that they would be sanctioned by their manager/leader for they know that they’re the favored ones. On the other hand if the employees who commit the same offense are not members of his favored circle the manager/leader would immediately notice this by swiftly calling their attention. So, where is justice and fairness here?

Having favorites in the workplace is always self-defeating and it will not unify the organization neither would it help the organization achieve its goals. In fact this could start the disintegration and eventual downfall of the organization.  

If this inequitable treatment continuous the non favorite subordinates would naturally notice this and complain. If the manager/leader would continue to turn a deaf ear to their complaint. They would naturally let loose their displeasure and they will soon think of ways to stop the manager/leader’s behavior of favoritism.

There are countless repercussions that await managers/leaders who practice favoritism. For example the manager/leader may get the cold shoulder treatment from his subordinates. Another one is they may withhold their work output and so forth.

In the creative minds of those who are mistreated the consequence for a manager/leader who practice favoritism is boundless. It is therefore very wise to treat your subordinates equitably. 

Avoid the mistake of having favored employees for the simple reason that it’s counterproductive and self-defeating to your function as a manager/leader. - Marino J. Dasmarinas