The big bad boss
Is your boss coasting while
you do all the work? Here are a few tips on how to deal with it
While it's a difficult and
unfortunate situation to be in, it's one that most of us will have to face at
some point in our working lives. It might become apparent within months of
starting a new job, or it might creep up on you slowly in a job that you've been
in for a while, but one way or another, you may come to realise that you are in
fact carrying your boss (or dealing with an incompetent boss). Sadly, it might
take a change in your relationship with your boss to make you see just how much
you've been carrying them, but as soon as it is brought to your attention, it's
time to deal with the situation.
The truth of the matter is
that if you are in this position, your boss is unlikely to be happy about it.
You might find that you go from the good books straight to the dog house, but
the main thing to remember is that it's not your fault.
If you've come in, got your
head down, and worked up a storm, then it's pretty likely that your boss is
starting to panic. If you're outperforming your superior, and as a result, they
begin to look bad to their boss, then this is a real recipe for disaster -for
them. This has probably just kick-started a cycle of fear and insecurity,
simply because they're not doing their job the way they should be.
Alternatively, you might find yourself with a boss who is more than happy for
you to work this hard -and, unfortunately, you'll likely find that they're also
happy to take the credit for it. For a lazy boss, there is no bigger fear than
an employee outshining them and thinking innovatively; however, the solution
should be for them to work harder and tackle the problem productively, instead
of working against you and punishing you. While it can be frustrating, and at
times downright upsetting, it's important to look at it this way: your boss is
pretty content in their small box, and you think outside of it.
If you find yourself
dealing with this problem, I've come up with some helpful solutions. I won't
beat around the bush -it's a difficult situation, but there are steps you can
take to try to make it better.
DON'T BACK DOWN (NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU MIGHT WANT TO)
If you find yourself being
frozen out, or on the receiving end of hostility from your boss, your first
instinct might be to retreat back into your shell, however, this is the last
thing you should be doing.They may be lazy, but they're also human, and they're
probably reacting out of fear. You shouldn't apologize for how hard you've been
working, but if you're feeling uncomfortable, you could ask your boss for a
catch-up. Opening with something like, “I get the sense that you're not happy
with the way I'm working...“ is an easy way for your boss to have an honest
conversation with you about their worries.
If this doesn't improve the
situation (i.e. your boss doesn't get it together), then it might be time to
take further measures.
FIND SOMEONE YOU TRUST (AND TELL THEM WHAT'S GOING ON)
If you've tried broaching
the subject with your boss to no avail, it might be time to take it elsewhere.
Being the one to carry the boss is never ideal, but it can also cause untold
amounts of stress and workplace anxiety, and you need to make sure that your
health doesn't suffer.
Do you have a workplace
mentor or colleague that you trust who you could confide in? Even if they can
offer nothing other than a sanity check, it should be helpful to have other
people in the office who can keep an eye on what's happening. Similarly, you
could try talking to other people who have been managed by your boss -could it
be that it's a case of miscommunication, or meth ods of working that you're not
used to? You can always ask for extra advice on how to handle the situation, as
different people will have different perspectives -just be careful not to
gossip, and ensure that you're genuinely seeking tips.
DOCUMENT WHAT'S GOING ON
(BUT KEEP IT UNBIASED AND FACTUAL)
What may seem like a huge
deal on a Monday may have slipped your mind by Friday, so it's best to keep a
notebook handy to document any issues. While you may be making notes in a red
mist of fury, it's best to stick to the facts: what happened, what was said,
and any implications of the situation.Should you ever pass this information on
to anyone else, you don't want it to be riddled with expletives -you may have a
point, but you don't want it to reflect badly on you! It's also worth noting
that, although keeping a record of the problems you're having with your boss is
a sensible way to handle the situation, you need to be careful that the
information doesn't fall into the wrong hands -as this is likely to make
matters far worse.
CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN
(AND MAKE SURE YOU GET CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE)
If you've got a boss who is
happy to sit back and let you do all the work, but swoops in at the last moment
to take all the praise, then you need to find a way to remove them from the
situation. If you're working on a project for another member of the staff, try
liaising with them directly, and presenting them with your work, rather than
channeling it through your boss.
Similarly, if you've got
ideas to contribute to the business and you know your boss is likely to claim
them as their own, then ensure that you go to their boss, and make your voice
heard. While it might feel wrong to cut out the middle man, you need to be sure
that your superiors know what you're capable of, without your boss taking the
credit for it.
TRY REPAIRING THE RELATIONSHIP
(KINDNESS IN THE FACE OF CONTEMPT CAN GO A LONG WAY)
This is key: if you're
carrying your boss and everyone around you knows it, your boss is probably
keeping you at arm's length. While it can be tempting to return hostility with
hostility, it's better that you remain cheerful and positive.While you might be
well within your rights to take your boss' head off for treating you
unprofessionally, the last thing you want is to give them more ammunition.
Chances are, they're
feeling intimidated by you, and have convinced themselves that you're out to
take their job. Ask your boss for a catch-up, where you can bring up the
subject of career progression.By asking about opportunities for you to move up
the career ladder, whilst making it clear that you want to collaborate
effectively, you should hopefully be able to diffuse the situation.
TAKE IT TO HR
(IF NOTHING ELSE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE)
If you've tried everything
you can think of to pacify the situation, yet your boss still isn't picking up
pace where they need to, it might be time to have a chat with HR. If you're
carrying your boss, it's not you that's the problem; it's them.You may have
nothing to apologise for, but if you're being undermined and given the cold
shoulder for no reason other than you've been working hard, then this is a real
problem. Working as hard as you are, you should be receiving praise, not
criticism.
Take your case to HR, show
them the documented list you've been making, and explain how you've already
attempted to rectify the situation. Now, you'll know that you've done
everything in your power to make things better, but the problem no longer lies
with you. It's a sad truth that when your flame burns bright, people pick up on
it; if you've ended up in this situation, it's essential that you remind
yourself of this. While it's a tricky position to be in, you should try to take
away the positives -you're just too good at your job and that's certainly not
your fault.
|
Lee Biggins
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MM29FEB16
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