Why Managers Play Favorites – and How They Can Change

Why Managers Play Favorites – and How They Can Change

Author: Harvard Business Review June 18, 2024 Duration: 27:32
While most good bosses try to be fair and balanced with their direct reports, it's only human to prefer the company and work styles of some team members over others, and employees are keenly aware of those preferences. They see favorites and non-favorites, ingroups and outgroups -- and when those divisions fester, they can destroy team culture and performance. Ginka Toegel, professor at IMD Business School, explains why even well-intentioned managers succumb to favoritism, how workers on both sides are affected, and what we can do to both avoid and rectify the problem. Toegel is the coauthor of the HBR article "Stop Playing Favorites."

Each week, the HBR IdeaCast from Harvard Business Review sits down with experts whose ideas are shaping the world of work. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a conversation focused on practical insights for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs navigating real challenges. You'll hear from scholars, CEOs, and innovators dissecting topics across management, marketing, and organizational strategy, translating complex research into actionable advice. The discussions get into the nuances of building effective teams, driving growth, making strategic decisions, and understanding the forces transforming industries. By tuning into this podcast, you gain access to the forefront of business thinking, a resource for anyone looking to sharpen their skills and lead more effectively. The consistent, in-depth dialogue provides a valuable perspective that goes beyond headlines, offering a deeper understanding of how to succeed in a competitive landscape. It's a direct line to the ideas that matter, presented through thoughtful conversation designed to provoke reflection and inspire change in your own professional approach.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HBR IdeaCast
Podcast Episodes
The Best Return-to-Office Policies Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
A growing number of companies are mandating office time for employees and structuring hybrid work under broad, rigid rules. But pushing people into the office is a mistake, argues Kimberly Shells, a senior director in th…
Best of IdeaCast: Behaviors of Successful CEOs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:32
For the qualities that top-performing CEOs have in common, research shows some surprising results. It turns out that charisma, confidence, and pedigree all have little bearing on CEO success. Elena Botelho, partner at le…
Why More Companies Are Getting in on the Resale Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:25
For a long time, conventional wisdom ruled that companies should avoid reselling their own products in used condition. There’s the threat of cannibalization, marketing confusion, and tricky logistics that can erase margi…
How Hybrid Work Is (And Isn’t) Reshaping Cities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
Economic activity has long been concentrated in big metropolitan areas. But has the rise of remote work technology -- and its accelerated adoption during the pandemic -- changed that? How are talent flows between geograp…
Setting AI Projects Up for Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:53
Unfortunately, you can’t set up your organization’s artificial intelligence projects like just any other IT project. By their nature, AI endeavors are quite different and suffer high failure rates. But there are proven a…
New Here: Getting a Raise Is a Process, Not a Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
Introducing HBR’s podcast for young professionals, New Here, hosted by Elainy Mata. Whether it’s your first job or a fresh start, New Here will help you build a meaningful career on your own terms. In this episode, autho…
Why Private Equity Needs to Invest More in Talent Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:46
Traditionally, private equity companies have created value at the companies they own by taking on debt, restructuring, and exploiting underserved opportunities. But surging interest rates and increased competition have m…
Nvidia’s CEO On What It Takes To Run An A.I.-Led Company Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
The future of AI goes far beyond individuals using ChatGPT. Companies are now integrating artificial intelligence into all aspects of their businesses. One key player in this transition is Nvidia, the AI-driven computing…
A High-Performance Coach on the Key to Achieving Your Full Potential [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
What holds many people back from attaining the success they want - whether it's winning an Olympic medal or a seat in the C-suite - isn’t a lack of effort or talent. It’s the fear of other people’s opinions. That’s accor…