Look for qualities that go beyond your gut feeling that they’re simply lousy at what they do. Are they not knowledgeable enough about the field, market, product, etc. ? Do they lack the communication skills needed to connect with and inspire workers? Use this assessment period to make sure you’re being fair to them as well. Have you judged them too harshly or unfairly due to a misunderstanding or a few mistakes? Do they just do things differently than you would, or are they genuinely incapable of doing the job? It’s also a great idea to have good feedbacks to give as well, as this will make your boss more receptive to your critiques. [2] X Expert Source Mel ShipmanCertified Life Purpose Coach, Owner of NextLevel Life, LLC Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
A single boss can be incompetent in several different ways, so you’ll have to strategize to combat each component of their inadequacy. Try to take the high road when you can. This way, you won’t get stuck in a negative mindset. [4] X Expert Source Tara BradfordLife & Mindset Coach Expert Interview. 16 September 2020.
For instance, even if you work for a tech startup focused on self-driving bicycles and your uncle is a retired bricklayer, he may have wisdom to share about handling a narcissistic boss.
For example, if your boss is a bad motivator, you might be able to come up with a system for mutual motivation among the employees. A mentorship program can be a great resource to improve employee engagement and productivity. [8] X Expert Source Mel ShipmanCertified Life Purpose Coach, Owner of NextLevel Life, LLC Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. Don’t just gripe about your boss with your co-workers. Be specific with your concerns and with your ideas on how to deal with them. Think about who you should share your concerns with as well. Some co-workers might use your discontent to their advantage (for instance, by “ratting you out” to the boss).
In the best-case scenario, you might help your boss become more competent over time. More realistically, though, you might simply reduce the number of interactions that end up being fruitless or infuriating.
Excessive worry over things you can’t control—like an incompetent boss—can be harmful to your mental and physical health. [13] X Expert Source Julia Yacoob, PhDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 15 July 2021. Utilize stress relief strategies to help you focus on what you can control—in this case, your own performance at work. Remember to choose your battles. Try to manage your frustration as a way to be more productive and focused in the discussions with your boss. [14] X Expert Source Julia Yacoob, PhDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
Of course, some bosses are already known to be incompetent by their superior(s) and keep their position due to nepotism or other ties. But, in this case, you may find that you can wait it out until your boss is promoted further up the ladder!
“I’ve been having some trouble getting up to speed on the new sales strategy. Is there a way to further clarify this?” “I feel like morale has dropped recently, and I think it’s hurting our overall performance. ” If you’re lucky, you may be able to spur your boss toward at least minor improvement.
Keep copies of inappropriate memos, track when your boss arrives late or leaves early, gather sales or other data from before and after they took charge, and so on. Even if you don’t plan on reporting them right now, it’s good to have the evidence should you change your mind later.
Instead, present your gathered evidence and portray yourself as an employee who’s concerned about your own performance and the health of your company.
If their incompetence is damaging your performance to such a degree that your job may be at risk anyway, quitting may be the best option. Or, if dealing with them is simply too damaging to your emotional or even physical health, a change of scenery may be necessary.
You can hope that, eventually, someone higher up the food chain recognizes your contributions. Or, if you’re eager to move up the ladder yourself (and can tolerate your incompetent boss), you might find that you’ll come along as one of your boss’s “go-to guys” when they get promoted.
Encourage your co-workers, volunteer to help out or to coordinate efforts, and become an intermediary between them and your often-absent boss. Eventually, there’s a good chance someone else in the company will take notice of you.
Give them permission to be critical as needed: “I want your honest opinion on this, please, warts and all. ” If you have an idea about areas you need to work on, you could lead them into giving feedback by using “I” language: “I feel like I’m having trouble connecting with clients over the phone. Have you noticed that?”
For example, send them quick memos in hopes of keeping them on track: “I’m heading out this morning to give the presentation to client X, and I’ll be back by noon for our scheduled meeting to discuss strategy for client Y. ” As with children, though, there can be a fine line between helpful reminding and “nagging” that causes a negative response. You’ll probably have to engage in some trial-and-error in order to find the happy medium in your case.
