Why Does My Boss Treat Me Differently – 8 Possibilities

Why does my boss treat me differently? Perhaps you’re newer to the job, or you have different responsibilities than other employees.

It’s also possible that your boss doesn’t like you very much. If you feel like you’re being mistreated, it’s essential to speak up.

8 Possibilities Why My Boss Treats Me Differently

There are a few possible explanations for why your boss might be treating you differently.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different, including your boss. They may have their reasons for the way they act around you.

1. You’re Newer to the Job:

If you’re newer to your job, your boss may still take some time to know you.

They may be trying to figure out what kind of employee you are and how well you’ll do in your role.

Give yourself some time to settle into the job and prove yourself to your boss.

Sometimes, it takes a little while for a boss to warm up to a new employee.

2. You Have Different Responsibilities:

If you have different responsibilities than others, your boss might treat you differently. That is because they expect more from you.

They may also see you as being more critical of the company. It could lead to them paying more attention to you.

Moreover, if you’re in a position of authority, your boss may have to interact with you more often. This could also lead to them treating you differently.

3. Your Boss Doesn’t Like You:

It’s possible that your boss doesn’t like you. He may not like you because of how you act or because of something you said.

If your boss doesn’t like you, he may be more critical of your work or give you a more challenging time.

If this is the case, you cannot do much about it. You can try to be friendly and professional.

But ultimately, it’s up to your boss whether or not they want to like you.

4. They Are Mistreating You:

Unfair treatment includes things like getting passed over for promotions. Being given extra work or rudely treated is also a part of it.

Your boss treats you differently because of your race, religion, gender, or other factors. If you think this is happening to you, talk to your boss.

Keep in mind that it’s possible your boss isn’t aware that he’s mistreating you. He may need a reminder of what’s appropriate.

If your boss continues to maltreat you after you’ve talked to him, you may want to consider talking to HR.

5. They Are Treating You Differently Because of Your Performance:

If you’re performing well at your job, your boss may treat you differently than other employees.

This is because they see you as an asset to the company. They may give you more responsibility or opportunity for growth.

On the other hand, if you’re not performing well, your boss may be more critical of you. He may give you less responsibility or opportunity.

If you feel like they are mistreating you because of your performance, talk to your boss about it.

He may have different standards for you than he does for other employees.

6. You Have A Strong Reference:

If you have a firm reference, your boss may treat you differently. He doesn’t want to upset your reference by treating you poorly.

This could lead to him being more lenient with you or giving you more opportunities. This is good as well as bad for your career.

It is beneficial as you will have more chances to improve and learn.

Though, at the same time, it may give you a false sense of security and lower your standards. In turn, you might not work as hard as you should.

7. You Threaten Their Job:

If you’re good at your job, you may be a threat to your boss’s job.

This is especially true if you’re in a managerial position. Your boss may get worried that you’ll take his job or get promotion over him.

If you’re seen as a threat, your boss may try to hold you back. He may allow lesser chances of advancement towards you.

Or, he may try to make your job harder so that you’ll fail.

8. You’re In A Power Struggle:

If you and your boss are in a power struggle, they could treat you differently.

A power struggle happens when two people want control over something.

It usually happens when one person feels like you threaten their job.

If you’re in a power struggle with your boss, he may try to control you. He may do this by micromanaging you or telling you what to do all the time.

Or, he may try to make your job harder so that you’ll fail. If you think this is happening, talk to your boss about it.

When Is Different Treatment Beneficial?

Sometimes, different treatmen can be a good thing.

1. Advancement In Career:

A treatment for betterment can be highly beneficial for you as an employee. If they give you more responsibility, your boss trusts you.

This can lead to a promotion or other opportunities for advancement in your career.

This is a good thing as it means you’re on the right track for advancement in your career.

2. More Chances To Prove Yourself:

If they give you more opportunities, your boss sees potential in you.

This is a good thing because you have more chances to prove yourself and your abilities.

It also means that your boss is willing to invest in you and your development.

They will give you more opportunities to improve and learn.

3. Higher Standards:

If your boss has higher standards for you, he thinks you’re capable of meeting them.

This is a good thing as it means you have the potential to meet and exceed his expectations.

It also means that he has faith in your abilities. Moreover, it may motivate you to work harder to meet his standards.

4. More Support:

If your boss is more supportive of you, he’s invested in your success.

This is a good thing because you have someone to rely on for help and guidance.

It also means that he’s more likely to give you growth opportunities. Moreover, if you face any issues, he’s more likely to be understanding and helpful.

5. Differentiation:

Differentiation can also be beneficial. It allows you to stand out from other employees.

This is a good thing as it means you have the chance to getting noticed and appreciated for your work.

You will have better exposure and opportunities for career growth. Eventually, this can lead to a promotion or other benefits.

When Is Different Treatment A Bad Thing?

While different treatments can sometimes be a good thing, they can also be harmful.

1. They Pass You Over:

If they pass you over for opportunities, your boss doesn’t think you’re good enough.

It can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It can also trigger a feeling of being stuck in your career.

You think you are being undervalued and unappreciated. In the end, this can lead to you quitting your job.

2. They Are Micromanaging You:

If they are micromanaging you, your boss doesn’t trust you. This is a bad thing as it can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.

Micromanagement is the root cause of many power struggles between bosses and employees.

Ultimately, it can lead to a feeling of stifled and restricted in your career.

3. They Ignore You:

If they ignore you, your boss doesn’t think you’re important.

Loneliness and isolation are born from ignoring someone. You may also feel unappreciated and invisible at work.

It can also lead to a feeling of being unimportant and unappreciated.

Meanwhile, your career stagnates, and you become increasingly unhappy with your job.

4. You’re Being Set Up To Fail:

If you’re being set up to fail, your boss doesn’t think you can succeed.

Insecurity and self-doubt are common emotions when you’re set up to fail.

Your confidence takes a hit, and you start to question your abilities. Unfair treatment can also lead to a feeling of demotivation at work.

Take Action – Stand Up For Yourself

If you think they are mistreating you, it’s essential to take action.

1. Talk To Your Boss:

The first step is to talk to your boss. If they passed you over for opportunities, try to find why.

If they are micromanaging you, ask him to trust you more. Likewise, if they ignore you, let him know how it makes you feel.

In short, communicate with your boss and try to understand his point of view.

2. Find Out The Reason:

Try to find out the reason behind the different treatments. Is there a reason why your boss is treating you differently?

Is it because of your performance? Or, is it because of your attitude? Or is it because of something else entirely?

Whatever the reason, it’s essential to find out so that you can address it.

3. Stand Up For Yourself:

If you think they are mistreating you, it’s essential to stand up for yourself.

Talk to your boss and let him know how you feel. Be assertive if he doesn’t listen or tries to brush you off.

Make it clear that you’re not going to tolerate different treatment. If he still doesn’t listen, you may need further action.

4. Take Further Action:

This could involve going to HR or even quitting your job. Of course, this is the last resort. But sometimes, it’s the only way to get justice.

If you take this step, make sure you have a solid case. Keep track of all the instances where they are mistreating you.

This will help build your case and increase your chances of success.

Conclusion:

Why does my boss treat me differently? Different treatment at work can be a good or bad thing. It all depends on the reason behind it.

It may be because your boss thinks you’re not good enough or because he doesn’t trust you.

Also, it could also be because he’s setting you up to fail. If you think they are mistreating you, it’s essential to take action.

The best action is to talk to your boss and find out the reason behind the different treatments.

In this way, you can address the problem and stand up for yourself.

Last Updated on 10 months by Shahzaib Arshad