Do I say something about favouritism at work?

[Meltyourpopsicle]

I know this sort of thing has been posted before. I’m fairly new to my role, 11 months in. Everything is going well but there is a ‘golden girl’. I’ve never had much time for ‘favouritism’ type beliefs, usually I’d think that it’s jealousy. Maybe this is part of it too.
Everything she does, management praise. She has had a mention in the ‘positive feedback’ in every single team meeting. I’ve had it once, some colleagues have never been mentioned despite doing good work.
She’s already been promoted and it’s clear they’re pathing the way for another promotion. None of the rest of us (team of 6) feel there is any point applying, and this impacts our morale.
It just gets me down, it’s stuff like if she moans on the group chat, the three managers all fawn and talk about how hard she works and what she deserves, but with the rest of it, it’s pure crickets. Sometimes an ‘ok’.
I’ve stopped waiting for any feedback now. It’s clear we’re just the worker bees. I’m a similar age and I think I’m as hard a worker. But she just has that sparkle, I can’t replicate that.
Wouldn’t usually moan but I think it’s getting me down when I’m working so hard.

Most people believe they work hard, but the truth is that some operate on a completely different level—and you simply can't compete with that. The way I see it, that's perfectly fine. I have a life outside of work, and many of them don’t. Of course, there are a rare few who manage to be exceptional at what they do while still maintaining a life beyond their job. In my opinion, they deserve every bit of recognition they get.
Praise for every person is not really praise, we are adults.

There’s unlikely to be much point complaining to work. If that’s the culture and there’s nothing that’s against the law (or even policy by the sounds of it?) chances are your complaint will just mark you out as unfriendly to the person they trust and want.

look for another job. If you get an exit interview you can try giving them feedback on the lack of opportunity because they gave everything to one staff member, but it may not be worth it. You want to keep good relationships with old employers if you can. You never know who will be useful in the future.

Is her work better than yours? Be impartial.

and if it’s not, then no point complaining. Just leave if it’s a big problem. Complaining about these things rarely achieves anything. If you are better than her and feel not treated fairly, then have some other employer benefit from that.

I think our output is the same. But she might talk about everything she’s doing more. Unfortunately I’m locked into my contract.

This makes it sound like you’re not great at playing the corporate game. If you have a contract that makes resigning difficult you’re presumably in a career with significant training? Law? Finance? If something like this you surely realised that developing a work persona that resonates with senior staff and partners was a part of being traditionally successful at the job?

Maybe it’s the kick up the butt you need to get you to work more on that side of things?

She’s just a popular person, who gets ahead in life.
Happens in work, in school, these people just “are”

Some people just have that certain something that makes them and their work stand out.

She has it and in this particular job/situation the 'worker bees' don't. Or if they do, just not as much.

It's not personal though and it absolutely doesn't mean you and the rest of the team wouldn't 'have it' in another job.

Some people just find their fit and it sounds as though she's found hers.

Don't bother complaining

If there's a favourite/golden child, they will refuse to hear criticism about her and label you as a trouble maker

There's someone like this in my team but i have to admit they are:.

• charming
• a very good communicator
• sort of cheerful and likeable

This stuff does just seem to get you the extra mile

If you want to do anything I'd suggest that you do some research on whether there are any organisations who can come into your workplace and do some workshops on team dynamics and how to get the best out of your team.

We have done one recently which focused on awareness of the different personality types and how best to work together. Also how to lead people with different personality types than yourself. Too early to tell if there will be any change in my workplace but I found it beneficial and if the leaders take it on board then things should change.

That sort of approach labels you as a team player and potentially allows a third party to point out the team dynamic issues.

Complaining will not work

Such is life 🤷🏻‍♀️
Sometimes you're the windscreen, sometimes you're the bug.