What should I do about my 'plays favorites' boss?

A bad boss

• What do you do with a boss that plays favorites and does not want to listen to anything anyone has to say except there favorites. and there are many other things that she does wrong but I don't have enough time or space to write.   Please let me know what should be done.

• Answer:

  Dealing with a difficult boss is something that almost everyone goes through at one time or another. First, make sure that your work and attitude remain top-notch and professional at all times. Don't let your boss' poor behavior rub off on you. Start documenting specific incidents. This needs to be a purely fact-based list, not an emotional rant. If your boss consistently overlooks you and gives the best assignments to Susie, note specific days and facts surrounding each situation. You can then make an appointment to meet with your boss -- maybe over coffee or lunch. Say that you're concerned because you don't seem to be getting more important assignments and you'd like to find out what you can do to improve your work performance so you'll get these assignments. If your boss reacts emotionally, stay calm and professional. It's possible that your boss doesn't realize how her actions appear to other people. If things are very abusive or hostile, you can consider taking your concerns to your HR or EEO dept. Just be prepared for nothing to change, except that you may well be branded as a trouble-maker. If the situation doesn't change, and you can't live with things the way they are, you're going to need to find another job. You can't change your boss -- you can only change your reactions to her.