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Nincompoop 101
Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.
So you're saddled with an incompetent boss. If it's any consolation, you're not alone. There are inept CEOs who ought to be running muffin shops instead of multimillion-dollar corporations. Somehow, they manage to hold onto their jobs. It's quite a feat, especially if the job carries a great deal of responsibility.
It makes you wonder how inept bosses got their jobs. Maybe they were a close relative or good friend of a top manager. Nepotism will always be the most persuasive door-opener for career-building.
However incompetent bosses landed their jobs, it's understandable to be upset when you find that you are working for a hopeless nincompoop. It's especially difficult for project managers who depend upon quick decisions from senior VPs who can either make things happen quickly or slow them down to a standstill.
All is not lost. Keep on reading and find out how to turn a bad situation into a career-building opportunity.
Don't berate yourself for not spotting your incompetent boss during the interview. How could you possibly know what lies ahead? At the time, you focused all your energy on making a great impression. Don't forget that your boss had no opportunity to demonstrate incompetence during an interview. If anything, he or she was intent on presenting a positive image.
But once you've settled into your job, however, the signs of incompetence can be …
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I only know two pieces of music. One of them is 'Claire de Lune.' The other one isn't. - Victor Borge |