RSRobince Studio

Workplace Favoritism

Rahul notices that a colleague keeps getting the best projects and praise regardless of performance, and talks to a trusted mentor about how to handle it.

Rahul, Mentor

Key words and phrases

favoritismunfair preferential treatment of one person over othersEmployees complained about favoritism in project assignments.
preferential treatmentspecial, more favorable treatment given to someoneHe felt his colleague received preferential treatment.
level playing fielda situation where everyone has an equal chanceHe wanted a level playing field for all team members.
overlookednot given attention or consideration that is deservedShe felt overlooked despite her strong performance.
merit-baseddecided according to ability or achievement, not personal favorHe hoped promotions would be more merit-based.
double standardapplying different rules to different people unfairlyThere seemed to be a double standard in how deadlines were enforced.
inner circlea small group of people who are close to someone in powerIt felt like only the manager's inner circle got good opportunities.
objective criteriaclear, fair standards not influenced by personal opinionHe asked for objective criteria in performance evaluations.
advocate for yourselfto speak up in support of your own interestsHe learned to advocate for himself in team meetings.
document your workto keep written records of achievements and contributionsShe started to document her work to show her contributions.
unconscious biasunintentional favoritism based on hidden assumptionsTraining helped managers recognize unconscious bias.
transparent processa clear, open procedure that everyone can understandHe requested a more transparent process for assigning projects.
constructive approacha way of dealing with an issue that focuses on solutionsHe took a constructive approach instead of complaining.
self-advocacythe act of representing and speaking up for oneselfSelf-advocacy helped him get noticed for his contributions.
track recorda history of past performance or achievementsHe has a strong track record of delivering results.
visibilitythe degree to which one's work is noticed by othersHe needed more visibility with senior leadership.
raise it tactfullyto bring up a sensitive issue carefully and respectfullyHe decided to raise it tactfully with his manager.
equal opportunitythe same chance given to everyone regardless of backgroundThe company promotes equal opportunity for all employees.
vent frustrationto express built-up negative feelingsHe needed to vent frustration before deciding on next steps.
sustainable changea lasting improvement rather than a temporary fixHe wanted sustainable change, not just a one-time fix.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

RahulCan I get your advice on something that's been bothering me at work?

MentorOf course. What's going on?

RahulI feel there's favoritism — one colleague always gets the best projects.

MentorThat's frustrating. Have you documented your own contributions?

RahulNot really — I assumed good work would just be noticed.

MentorIt helps to advocate for yourself and increase your visibility.

RahulThat makes sense. Should I raise it with my manager directly?

MentorYes, but raise it tactfully — focus on wanting a transparent process.

RahulThat's good advice. I'll prepare my track record before the conversation.

MentorThat's exactly the right approach — good luck.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What does "favoritism" mean?

2. What does "merit-based" mean?

3. What is an "inner circle"?

4. What does "advocate for yourself" mean?

5. What is "unconscious bias"?

6. Complete: "He wanted ___ change, not just a temporary fix."

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