How to Handle Manager Incompetence in the Workplace
Incompetence refers to the lack of intellectual ability or qualifications to perform a certain role. An incompetent manager greatly affects the performance of his team or department. The actions of incompetent managers can demoralize or frustrate the efforts of other employees. The results often spill over to the organization's clients as well as other stakeholders. Incompetent managers normally lack confidence, interpersonal communication skills and vision. Rather than resign yourself to the fact that your boss is incompetent, fight to build a positive image for yourself.
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Instructions
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Deliver quality consistently. Always ensure that you perform your duties effectively, efficiently and professionally. Do not use the manager's incompetence as a scapegoat for shoddy work. Keep a record of all your contributions and achievements. Always strive to include a third person in any brainstorming meetings you have with your manager as to ensure you have a witness to any ideas that you make. This prevents the manager from claiming your input as his own.
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Cultivate strategic relationships and high-powered professional alliances in your organization. This assists in discouraging your incompetent manager from subverting your efforts since he knows you associate with senior people in the organization who may be aware of his incompetence and are also aware of your output.
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Assist your colleagues and even your manager when they are overwhelmed or in problems or in need of your input. Strive to be an indispensable member of your team. Always ensure you perform the duties assigned to you according to your job description. Avoid performing other people's tasks at the expense of your job.
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Refrain from gossiping or backstabbing your manager despite frustrating working conditions. These actions are not only unethical but may come back to haunt you especially if it is proven that you are the source of negative rumors concerning your boss.
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Identify what the manager understands and what he does not understand. Knowing your manager's strengths and weaknesses will help you bridge the gap in getting your own job done. By knowing his strengths, you can rely on the manager to perform the task he is competently able to. You can also talk to your manager in a non-confrontational way and tell him how his actions are affecting the organization and present solutions to rectify them. Go to him with solutions, not complaints.
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Tips & Warnings
Never cover for an incompetent manager; instead cover for your own job responsibilities.
