151 Quick Ideas to Deal With Difficult People

63Nip Managers’ Favoritism in the Bud

Favoritism often leads to the wrong people for the job, sometimes with tragic consequences. Michael Brown, the former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, had little emergency-management experience when he took over the reins of the agency. His predecessor, who is also a longtime friend, recommended him for the job. Brown resigned following fierce criticism about FEMA’s relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Assignment

When a manager recommends a friend for a job, ask him for at least two other candidates who aren’t connected to him.

Your managers may be eager to surround themselves with loyal employees or longtime friends. Nothing is inherently wrong with that plan as long ...