Many people who seek consultations tell me that their direct supervisor plays favorites. Leaders are human too — and humans come with subjective feelings.
If their way of doing things runs counter to yours, the two of you simply won’t click.
He has an inexplicable aversion to people taller than himself — you’re 185cm, so you get the cold shoulder.
She’s envious of your looks, so she treats you like a thorn in her side.
He’s been cast aside in love and marriage, so your happiness becomes a source of pain for him.
These absurd reasons all become justifications for playing favorites.
But true strength and ability cannot be buried under such petty nonsense. The leader at your current workplace may have it out for you — while leaders elsewhere might be singing your praises. The world is wide, there are plenty of leaders, and you will always find one who recognizes your worth.
History is full of brilliantly talented people who were given the cold shoulder, left to sit on the sidelines for years — and yet they kept sharpening their skills, kept building their craft. Your value is not defined by the preferences of any one leader. It is defined by your own strength and capability. If this one doesn’t work out, move on to the next. As long as the ability is there, someone will always come along who genuinely appreciates you from the heart.
Can one direct supervisor really define your entire life?