Buddybuddy office politics.

[NikkiB]

Does anyone have an opinion on this hypothetical poser?
A manageress named L recruits a drinking buddy of hers, called S, to work in the company. Even though S is extremely young and has never worked in an office before, within 2 weeks L is sending her on all kinds of courses that will ensure S gets paid extra and is fast-tracked to promotion. No other staff have ever been put forward for such things nor are likely to be. A promotional post comes up and everyone is certain that L will be giving S the job. L has done this before to another "pet". S in turn, is very sure of her status and is pushy and competitive with other staff at the slightest thing. More ominously, L starts to take S everywhere, introducing her to everyone and basically networking her. Sometimes S is gone from the office for hours on these jaunts, leaving us to do her work. The rest of the workforce, which includes some very skilled and experienced people, are ignored by L as if they're chopped liver.
Should the staff
1) Accept that soon an inexperienced, immature office pet will be their supervisor
or 2) just leave and look for a workplace with more equality.

[bednobs]

or option 3) dining room table and chairs?

seriously though, go above l's head to her boss

[lizzysparkle]

I have a question - with regard to the training courses S is being sent on, has any other member of staff asked to be sent on these or any other courses, at their appraisal for example.

Also are you aware of the job role of S? Could she have been recruited as a trainee manager for example rather than office junior, in which case the fast tracking etc could be appropriate for the role.

[manik_kat]

I have to say, I work in a bar and that's who it works with us. I know a casual bar job isn't the same as an office job though. I would ask your mangeress's supervisor if they're aware of the favouritism or depending on your relationship with your manager, just ask her if there is any reason why S is getting preferential treatment. There could be a good reason or it could just be damned unfair. Unfortunately a lot of jobs do depend on who you know but that's no reason to just admit defeat.

[bensmum]

Could you not try asking L that as she seems keen on staff development you would like to attend certain courses (and tell her what you want to do). If she refuses ask for the reason and if she doesn't have a good one then speak to her line manager. You should have regular appraisals when training issues are raised (mind you, I haven't had one for 6 years!). You could always leave S's work for her to finish when she comes back I suppose. It's not a nice situation and I wish you luck in resolving it.

[fiesata]

I have always worked in an office job and the inequality in my experience is unbelievable.

Jobs for the boys and girls abound !am I cynical you bet i am when people who are lower qualified get promoted just because the Kow Tow to the boss , or play golf , or have a relative in the same department.

I no longer socialise at work or do anything other than my job as I feel as I feel out of the 'In crowd'

If you find an office where this doesn't exist let me know I would love to work there