Bosses Shouldn’t Play Favorites

July 07, 2017

Bosses Shouldn’t Play Favorites

It’s natural to like some colleagues more than others. But when you’re the boss, treating direct reports differently — and especially playing favorites — is unwise and unfair. 
To make sure you don’t give anyone special treatment, divvy up choice assignments in a fair and equitable way. Keep a record of whom you brought to the last high-level presentation and who took the lead on the last big project. Simple things, like rotating who leads the weekly team meeting, can help project fairness. Be as inclusive as possible. As you’re picking a team to work on a new project, ask yourself, “Can I add one more position, even in a minor role?”

Adapted from “How Managers Can Avoid Playing Favorites,” by Rebecca Knight