YOU just want to be like them because they’re just so damn great at what they do. But what if reality pokes a little joke on you and you happen to report to someone who seems to be falling short of your esteem? Should you try to steal the thunder or help her at your own expense?
What do you do when you’re (or at least you feel) smarter than your boss?
1. Reassess yourself-bias first
Try to pause and reflect: are you really better than her in all levels of competency, or are you just great in one or few aspects? Alright, you’re the team’s top sales guy or the company’s marketing rockstar but you’re still a leader in process- and she already is.
You’re a digital Jedi but you don’t know how to turn data into business opportunities---and she does.
Remember that in most situations, your manager has that bigger desk because she offers something else that you don’t. She’s there for reason, bud.
2. Look for one thing you admire and be like sponge
Now that you’ve realized that your boss has a redeeming value, focus on emulating it from her and absorb it like a sponge so you can be better in your craft. It could be her leadership skills, her strategic acumen, decisiveness, connections or simply her charisma. In my experience, soft skills are the most things I’ve got from my superiors in the past.
3. Keep on grooving even if you don’t like the music
So feel you’re one of those ill-fated souls cursed with an incompetent superior. Yes, life seems unfair, and you just want to throw a major fit. But do you really want to make this situation against you? You can’t let this frustration discourage you and pull you to the same pitfall. You still have a race to finish, right?
Keep in mind that it’s easier to shine when the stars around you lackluster. Take this opportunity to shine and be seen by the gods as that David who performs well despite your situation (Yes--of course, they know)
Stay professional and thrive anywhere regardless of where you’re thrown into. After all, the tallest building is built by building it on its own and not by tearing down another.
For as long you strategically fight your way to get your own credit for your work, don’t be anxious that you will easily lose your hat. In today’s cutthroat war on talent, great organizations will be smart enough to fight to keep their rockstars on the roster. So continue dancing.
4. Find mentors elsewhere and maneuver to self-learning
It’s frustrating wanting to learn from your boss, and you end up coaching him instead. When I fell into this same situation myself, I left no stone unturned.
I looked for mentors outside the walls. When no one was there to give me feedback about my performance, I proactively asked people for it. I’ve subscribed to TED talks and dozens of Youtube videos. I listened to keynotes and motivational speeches and continued to grow.
It was during these very sickening times of my career that pushed me to realize that I had to steer the wheel by myself to get to the right destination. At the end of the day, I love my job – and an incompetent people shouldn't deprive me of that love. I just couldn't let anyone take away my spark.
It’s not easy. Take it one day at a time: continue to do your part, focus on what you can appreciate, and take advantage of alternative sources of learning. No one else will take good care of your career, but you. I wish you the best and may the force be with you!
Need more tips in life, career and beyond? Invite me to speak in your event or reach me at "Coach Pat de Leon" on Facebook.