The Tempting Traps of Befriending Your Boss: Why Being the Favorite Isn’t Always a Good Thing

We’ve all seen it: a boss picks a favorite employee, giving them special attention and privileges. On the surface, it seems like a great opportunity—extra attention, perks, and perhaps even a fast track to career advancement. But is it really as beneficial as it seems?

We’ve all seen it: a boss picks a favorite employee, giving them special attention and privileges. On the surface, it seems like a great opportunity—extra attention, perks, and perhaps even a fast track to career advancement. But is it really as beneficial as it seems?

The Dark Side of Privileges

At first glance, being in your boss’s good graces might seem like a golden ticket. But there’s a flip side to consider. Colleagues might start to view you with suspicion and mistrust. Some may think of you as a spy for the boss, while others might see you as a mere extra in the team. This could lead to you being isolated from your peers.

A Weak Link

Close relationships with your boss can lead to a loss of objectivity. Instead of thinking independently, you might start aligning your views entirely with those of your superior. In the end, you could find yourself taking the blame for poor decisions, even if they weren’t your ideas to begin with.

The Changing Roles

Befriending your boss can be a fleeting benefit. Today you might be on top, but tomorrow someone else could take your place. Bosses who have favorites often change their preferences, and when that happens, all your privileges might vanish in an instant.

Potential Stagnation

Being the favorite can stall your professional growth. Rather than focusing on your tasks and responsibilities, you might find yourself bogged down with assignments from your boss. Colleagues might also start to use you as a middleman for communicating their requests to the boss, leaving you little time for your own work.

How to Avoid the Trap

To avoid becoming a victim of the situation, it’s important to take a few protective steps:

• Don’t Exaggerate Your Role.
  Be a team player, not the boss’s envoy. Avoid sharing confidential information that you’ve learned from your boss. Maintain neutrality and steer clear of office politics.
  
  
• Stay Objective.
  Don’t let your personal affinity for your boss cloud your judgment. Make an effort to develop relationships with other managers and colleagues in the company. This will help you broaden your perspective and avoid tunnel vision.
  
  
• Defend Your Career Opportunities.
  Don’t be afraid to seek out new growth paths. Show initiative and build relationships with other leaders in the company. It’s important to demonstrate that you’re aiming for professional growth, not just content with your current position.

If you find that the situation isn’t changing and you continue to be the “errand boy,” it might be time to consider other career opportunities. Think about finding a job where you can assert your independence and fully realize your potential. In the meantime, talk to those who’ve been in your shoes. Their experience might help you find the right way out of this tricky situation.