Succeeding at work even if you're not in the boss' circle

Succeeding at work even if you're not in the boss' circle

Our manager, who oversees about a dozen employees, took over a year ago. Since then, it's become apparent that there are 4-5 staffers whom she seems to be on very good terms with and supports more than the rest of us. She's put them on special projects and in a few cases, promoted them within a year. They all have one thing in common-- they're all related to someone else at our company, by blood or marriage. The company is large with a few thousand people. Because our city is pretty small, it's the biggest employer. Of course, as a result, there's a good amount of nepotism.

This leaves me feeling I'm on the outs and will never be "in." She's very chummy with these people and it does feel like they're more or less elevated over the rest of us. I've been there for a few years and have been thinking it's time to ask for a transfer or just find a new employer and apply elsewhere. Is there really any way to overcome this situation and get promoted? I've never been promoted while the people in the "inner circle" have all been promoted.

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3 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    It sounds like it's your manager, not you. However, this means you'll likely have to transfer or find a new employer to get ahead. Someone playing favorites is a red flag.

  2. Iky

    It sounds like the rule of the game on your team is not based on job performance but something that is outside of your control.

    Based on my experience, I have seen people either leaving the team quickly or staying and hoping the boss would leave before them.

    Good luck with whatever decision you make.

  3. Anonymous

    In some places, it's not what you do, but who you know. It sounds like your employer is one of these. If promotion is what you are looking for, you will have to wait until the "inner circle" has been promoted first. If you are looking for a fair wage and are getting it, with good reviews and raises, then it's your decision whether to stay or leave. For me, the recognition of someone (male and much younger) was enough to get me to start looking. They finally promoted me once they knew I had one foot out the door. It still left a sour taste in my mouth because I had to press the issue so hard to get the recognition everyone knew I deserved.

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