Is it okay to play favourites with my staff?

Dear Aunty B,

When I’m at home with my kids, I really do love them all equally and make sure I don’t play favourites.

But when I’m at work, I find that I can’t help but have favourites amongst my staff and be biased towards certain staff members.

Some of them are just better performers and nicer people to work with. Unfortunately, the rest of the staff have picked up on this and have started making jokes about how there is a “golden child” in the business and people who can do no wrong.

To be honest, they are probably right, what should I do?

Lucille,

Pyrmont

Dear Lucille,

The best bosses are fair and unbiased. But if you do want to get the most out of your top employees sometimes it pays to favour them a little bit. A new study has shown that treating everyone the same can be a disincentive for workers who would otherwise go above and beyond on behalf of the team with a little bit of extra attention.

As you've discovered, the risk is that treating some employees better than the rest can turn others off. You need to find the right balance. Try and be positive towards all your employees to get the most out of them, but don't be afraid of treating those top employees just a little bit better.

There's nothing wrong with a golden child or two.

Be smart,

Your Aunty B

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