November 9, 2011

How to deal with an incompetent boss

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Q: My boss, “Jerry,” keeps trying to reduce his workload by giving me assignments that he should do himself. He also fails to follow up on important issues, which often leads to a crisis. When this happens, Jerry tends to fabricate facts and blame others, including me.

I have never complained about Jerry’s management style, but I suspect he knows how I feel about him. On my last performance review, he rated me “satisfactory” in areas where I had previously been “outstanding.” Since then, I’ve been keeping meticulous records to protect myself.

After 17 years with this company, I have no intention of leaving. I’m sure Jerry’s incompetence will catch up with him eventually, but until that happens, how can I preserve my career? Talking to upper management is not an option, because Jerry is good friends with the executives.

A: Having a difficult boss who is well-connected creates a challenging set of circumstances. Since there is little hope of changing Jerry and apparently no avenue of appeal, your only remaining choice is to start “managing up” in a politically intelligent manner.

The declining appraisal rating is a clear sign that Jerry is not happy with you. He may be a self-protecting slacker, but he can still affect your career and reputation, so you need to repair this relationship.

First, you must simply accept the unpleasant fact that you are stuck with a bad boss. Instead of becoming annoyed whenever Jerry screws up, stop expecting him to be any better than he is. Lowering your expectations may help you feel less irritated.

Despite your low personal regard for Jerry, you still need to show respect for his position. Since you say that Jerry is aware of your feelings, you must have conveyed contempt during your interactions with him.

To send a more positive message, try to be consistently pleasant, cooperative and helpful. This may actually improve your performance rating.

Finally, to increase your own leverage, develop as many allies as possible. Having higher-level managers in your network can be especially useful. The more people who know and admire you, the safer your job will be.

Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of "Secrets to Winning at Office Politics." Send in questions at http://www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @officecoach.

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1 Comments

Peggy on November 18, 2011 9:22 AM | Reply

I have to agree on this comment. I have the same issue with a boss that is VERY incompetent as a manager, boss and leader and even with all of my cries for "HELP" I still am not able to get anyone to notice what it going on in our department. It is hard for me to accept because I always need to work to the top of my potential. But I have to accept it. The one thing that has helped for me, is finding those "RIGHT" higher-up allies. Not that you have to feel like you are being an aweful person, but it is important for others to see what has been "blinded to" in all the years. I know that I don't have the chance of my boss leaving not unless it is on her own terms, but it can be acknowledged that with the right eyes, maybe she would be a better fit at a different position. It takes time, you just have to be patient. :)

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