Boss's Pet and Favoritism

Favoritism is a human trait found in many relationships, e.g.,
parent-children, teacher-students. As long as there are two
persons we have to interact with, it is in our nature to compare
and favor one over the other. CEOs, employers, bosses and
managers who deny that they have pet employees are
deceiving themselves. They should accept that they have, but
be skillful enough to manage the feelings and expectations of
the staff.

The Dog and the Wolf

A gaunt Wolf was almost dead with hunger when he happened to
meet a House-dog who was passing by. "Ah, Cousin," said the
Dog.

"I knew how it would be; your irregular life will soon be the ruin
of you. Why do you not work steadily as I do, and get your food
regularly given to you?"

"I would have no objection," said the Wolf, "if I could only get a
place."

"I will easily arrange that for you," said the Dog; "come with me
to my master and you shall share my work."

So the Wolf and the Dog went towards the town together. On the
way there the Wolf noticed that the hair on a certain part of the
Dog's neck was very much worn away, so he asked him how that
had come about.

"Oh, it is nothing," said the Dog. "That is only the place where
the collar is put on at night to keep me chained up; it chafes a bit,
but one soon gets used to it."

"Is that all?" said the Wolf. "Then good-bye to you, Master Dog."

Moral:

Better starve free than be a fat slave.
There is nothing worth so much as liberty.


Lessons in life:

Like the house-dog, there are staff in the office who are happy
to tag along with their bosses, do whatever they are instructed
to, and have no problems being labeled as the bosses' pets.
Perhaps, they decided that they would rather be slaves than
have their family and children starve. In the opposing camp are
those who refuse to 'suck-up' to the bosses, keep their
relationship at a purely professional level, and are vocal on
issues concerning equal rights and fair treatment.

A boss will not want to keep too many pets by his side. The vast
majority of the employees who do not enjoy this master-pet
relationship are likely to despise these pets, speak ill of them,
be uncooperative, gang up against them, and generally do
anything to make the boss disown the pets. Office morale and
productivity are likely to suffer as a result of this continuing
power play and manipulative activities. Those who have no
resolve to fight a losing battle will switch their attention to
learning the doggy tricks so that they too can become pets.
The workplace is thus transformed into a pet breeding ground.

Here, we share with you what we like about the pet employees
we had worked with. Whether you are hoping to become one,
or trying to spot one, this list should trigger some thoughts.