WHEN YOU THINK YOUR BOSS IS INCOMPETENT

by Venchito Tampon | Last Updated on November 2, 2016

What if a company hires a new superior who lacks relevant professional experience? How do we respond to that?

What do you do if your new boss lacks experience and is underqualified?

There is a reason why you think your boss is incompetent. You may not be getting the support that you need to fully complete your tasks. he may not be giving a direction on what your next step you should take, he can’t make wise decisions at work, so on and so forth.

Here are three actionable tips to help you deal with an incompetent boss.

1. Identify if it is your “EGO” or he actually lacks competence in one area

Assess if it’s your ego that makes you want to take over his position or you simply resist being under his authority. If this is the case, make a firm decision to submit to him regardless of age and status. Honor and respect him.

Meanwhile, you may actually be seeing one hard or soft skill that he needs improvement on. There’s no point of scattering his incompetence within your team – it will backfire if you may.

If you identify with the latter, apply tip #2.

2. Collaborate instead of interrogate

Your goal is not to pull down this person. You may find that he is still adapting to the new office environment as a new manager/supervisor. Show some consideration as he applies his own management style before jumping into any conclusion.

If conflict arises, exercise your people skills. Know when to move forward and when to back off.

Remember that everyone has his own weak spots – you also have some. Leverage your strengths to compensate for his deficiencies.

Lead! I know someone who bought a leadership book (Maxwell) for her boss. It’s an indirect way of telling him that he lacks competence in that area.

On another note, direct communication is also important here. Ask him what you exactly need and if he’s unable to provide it, give a recommendation. I’ve found that some managers tend to back off when they know their subordinates can do more work when given a chance to move. If you ask politely, your boss might give away some tasks where you can shine!

By becoming a team player yourself, it would have a positive impact to your individual performance.

3. Find that one thing you can learn from him

Your so-called “incompetent” boss isn’t necessarily a bad boss. He gets his position because there’s one, two or some other facets that the upper management know he is capable of doing. He may lack in some areas but you can still learn one skill from him which you are yet to acquire.

In your 1 on 1 casual or formal talk, ensure that you get mentored and coached on that particular aspect of work.  Whether it’s on leadership, customer service, presentation skill, or one industry hard skill, get to a point where you consistently learn from your boss on that specific area.

YOUR TURN

Know any other ways to manage a “so-called” incompetent boss?

Have a follow-up question?

Leave a quick comment below.

I’ll be around today to reply to comments and answer questions.