The Shadow System vs. Official System explanation is a good one! Most leaders genuinely believe they're being fair while everyone else is watching the double standard play out in real time. The Carrie story is relatable because it's so common, and the symptoms checklist is the kind of wake-up call most leaders need but won't listen to.
My favorite favoritism story is a little different. I had a client who kept reassigning high-visibility projects to himself at the last minute because "only he could present them properly to the board." The team would do all the work, he'd swoop in, take the deck, and deliver it without crediting anyone. He genuinely believed he was protecting the team from pressure, but what he was really doing was protecting his own reputation while making sure no one else got a shot at advancement. His best PM quit within six months.
Really powerful insights and very relatable both in large and small companies. Thanks for the article!
So glad you liked it! And thanks for commenting.
Have you been victim to the favoritism?
The Shadow System vs. Official System explanation is a good one! Most leaders genuinely believe they're being fair while everyone else is watching the double standard play out in real time. The Carrie story is relatable because it's so common, and the symptoms checklist is the kind of wake-up call most leaders need but won't listen to.
My favorite favoritism story is a little different. I had a client who kept reassigning high-visibility projects to himself at the last minute because "only he could present them properly to the board." The team would do all the work, he'd swoop in, take the deck, and deliver it without crediting anyone. He genuinely believed he was protecting the team from pressure, but what he was really doing was protecting his own reputation while making sure no one else got a shot at advancement. His best PM quit within six months.