Are You Playing Favorites?

Summary:  As a leader we may have a favorite person on our team. Be sure they deserve the status by answering these question or you may suffer some backlash.

It’s ok to admit, everyone knows it – you have a favorite person in your office. Maybe it’s their personality, they always say “good morning” or something else. Here’s my challenge to you – do they deserve it?

Courtesy of PhotoXpress

What?? Are they worthy of you attention? If not, you will be causing resentment in the rest of the staff. Let’s take an objective look at your “favorite” – answer these questions:

• Do they work independently?
• Do they consistently produce high quality work?
• Do they collaborate with their co-workers?
• Do they give credit where it’s due?
• Does anyone else consider them the “go to” person?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions – great that means your “favorite” is also a great employee.

Did you answer “no” to most of these questions? Frankly, then it’s time to stop playing favorite. Trust me, everyone in the office knows who the favorite is so be honest with yourself. You are doing yourself more harm than good.  When your favorite is not a great employee several things will happen.

• You will lose the respect of others
• People become demotivated (their hard work is not being recognized)
• You may be taken advantage of by your favorite
• People will not speak up (they don’t think you will listen)

Does more need to be said? Take a step back and take a look at your favorite and make sure it is deserving.

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