Favoritism? Or all in my head?

[Kend999]

I work in a consulting firm. My current project is filled with people added via referrals and includes newbies hired by the managers. These are folks who had worked earlier in a non-IT pet project of a senior manager. These include a couple, their sister, bro-in-law, close friends all hired by referrals. Given they came with close contact to Sr. Managers means that they casually get pulled in to conversation with higher officials more easily than the rest of us. Some are getting progressive career opportunities faster than those of us with more experience and better skill set. The couple got married and one of the manager organized their wedding,baked their cake etc. I consistently get high ratings but when it comes to opportunities to grow, I feel that these folks are pulled up more. I understand that some folks can be more outspoken and quick to build a rapport, but I prefer not to banter about stuffs happening at home, what I cooked etc with my manager. There has been instances where clients have been unhappy with some of their working style but nothing deters manager’s opinion on them. May be they are really good at work, maybe our managers don’t mean to create favoritism, but it has created a sense of questionable integrity. I thought only I had this opinion until a coworker opened up and voiced the same concerns. It’s very demoralizing at work. You can’t drop by manager desk to ask or say something without one of them lingering and listening in. Thoughts and advice?

[elelfrance]

Its hard .... getting on well with people and building relationships is actually a really valuable skill, so I wouldn't call favoritism just because some people have a better rapport with snr managers than others...however formal promotion opportunities should be open to everyone

[daisychain01]

The practice you describe is Nepotism Kend999.

It's fine if you're on the receiving end of corporate favours just because you're mates with the director or the cousin of the HR manager etc etc. but frustrating for people outside the inner circle.

It's dubious in terms of ethics, there's nothing "wrong" with it on the surface but it becomes a closed shop where favouritism is a barrier to advancement because the relys always get the first sneak preview of a vacancy and get to have the last word at meetings. Trying to prove any wrong doing is time you'll never get back.

I wouldn't waste time there, if you want to advance based on your merits not where you are on their family tree.

[HundredMilesAnHour]

I've seen this happen in a consulting firm I used to work in. It seemed to be a cultural norm for an ethic group that was strongly represented in the company. Trying not to sound racist here!

Whilst it may be understandable, I actually find it unprofessional and unfair to others. However, all you can do is work hard and demonstrate your value. It's really important that you're not just good at your job but are also SEEN to be good at your job. If your project is dominated by these individuals, I'd try and move to a different project.