14 signs you're secretly the boss' favorite

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Favoritism is alive and well in the workplace.

"Given the complexities involved in relationships at work and the myriad of factors that determine how much we like someone or respect their talents, it's simply human nature that we are going to, no matter how subtly, and despite our best intentions, play favorites," says Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage."

Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," agrees and says there's often a fine line between bosses who appreciate an employee's good work and want to empower the person with more projects, and bosses who favor that employee to the detriment of others.

"If bosses are brazen in practicing favoritism, they can seriously hurt team morale and increase turnover — not to mention cause legal trouble by creating a hostile work environment," Taylor explains.

Plus, she says, the more you're singled out and given special treatment, the more risk associated with securing the cooperation you need from your team. "It can put an overall strain on your productivity because your work should always be the focus," Taylor explains. "Your office is not a popularity contest — and when it is, your days of glory can be fleeting."

If you suspect you're being favored, take a second to feel flattered then stay humble, remain professionals, and talk to your boss if things get out of hand.

Here are 14 signs you're the boss' favorite:

They include you in more meetings than your colleagues

This is a key sign, as it shows they respect your judgment and wisdom, and they recognize that you have positive contributions to make, says Kerr.

"No one enjoys being in meetings with people they don't have an affinity towards, so it's a reasonably good sign they also like you as a person." 

You're chosen for all the plum projects

When you're elected the boss' "fave" you often feel like you're on a roll and can't lose. One great project follows another.

"Your boss feels like you have a proven track record and is almost doubling down each time you get more responsibility, because you're a good bet," says Taylor.

You are their go-to person in a crisis

If you are the first on your boss' radar for getting things done or dealing with a crisis, it means they have an enormous amount of trust in your abilities, Kerr explains.