How to work with a clueless boss

       Have you ever had the experience of working with a boss who knows nothing about the job? It is exactly like putting a square peg in a round hole, it would just never fit. Unemployment situations are on the rise lately and majority of the few who are in top executive positions, are not really qualified for it but got the job either through political appointments or familiarity with the head of the company. Remember, you’re not responsible for the behavior of others, but you are responsible for how you respond in the situation.

     Employees often agonize over whether they should tell their clueless boss or management what they really think for fear of being labeled a troublemaker or worse. So what do you do when you have to work with such an un-experienced boss? Here is how:

1)      Firstly you should always remember who the boss is and learn how to be calm and not over react because you are doing the job and your boss who don’t know jack is getting the credit for it. Calm down, humble yourself.

2)      Turn your boss’s cluelessness to your advantage. A clueless boss gives you a great chance to prove yourself. Understand what your company is looking for and help your dummy boss meet those expectations and indirectly enhance your own skills.

3)      Even if your boss leaves majority of the decisions to you, be careful to always inform him of decisions taken. Make sure you don’t go over the top and try to make every decision yourself.

4)      Make yourself indispensable to the clueless boss. Learn to blend your ideas with the boss’s language and agenda.

5)      Become an enhancement to the boss. Start by paying attention to what interests your boss and listen carefully when he/she talks.

6)      Be patient, but always know when you have had enough and try to move on by searching for another job. Start actively looking for the workplace where you will be appreciated, encouraged and acknowledged for your contribution.

Note: Efforts to handle a clueless boss is not butt kissing. The whole idea is to make working conditions more conducive to your own career growth.