When you initially apply for a job, you often can’t help but think what your life will be like after five, ten, fifteen years working at that company. This may be a little presumptuous if you haven’t even got the job yet, but almost everyone goes into a new role with the intention to, eventually, climb the ladder. If you are starting at the bottom rung of the company in an entry-level role, this rings true on an even greater level. But fast forward to ten year’s time: what do you do if you’re still stuck in the role you originally applied for, while hoards of other people rush past you getting promotion after promotion? Not only can this be very frustrating, but it can also be an example of your workplace showing signs of nepotism. Of course, it doesn’t need to be said that most of the time, people are given a raise or a promotion because they are genuinely good at their job. But it does set alarm bells ringing when you start to realize that the only people garnering such benefits are either friends or family members of the top dogs. Convinced that nepotism is happening in your workplace? Here are some ways to deal with it.
Determine the facts
This probably isn’t what you are going to want to hear. But before you come out and accuse your boss or organization of favoritism, it is a good idea to determine whether or not you ARE experiencing nepotism in the workplace. Sure, your manager’s daughter may have got the promotion that you were sure you were in line for. But if his daughter has more experience and a better-suited skill set to that role than you do, then it may not be nepotism after all.
Gather evidence
If this isn’t the case, and you think that nepotism is alive and well in your office, you will need to gather as much evidence together as you can. Don’t make a point of turning it into office gossip; for all you know, the issue could be to do with something even more severe, such as workplace discrimination, in which case you need to have a strong case to back yourself with. If you do end up being involved in legal proceedings, make sure that you receive copies of everything the courtroom recorder produces so that you can be on top of the case. And present your evidence in a professional and concise manner.
Don’t slack off
Just because you think there is no chance of you getting that promotion doesn’t mean that you are allowed to give up on your job. This is almost cutting off your nose to spite your face, and won’t hold you in excellent stead when all these issues come to a head. It may even be the case that your manager or boss was genuinely just being distracted from your talents, and if you can prove that you were working hard even while all this went on, you will soon start to see your efforts rewarded.
