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Does Your Boss Think You're An Idiot? (and what should you do about it?)
Unless you are the head of your company, you will have to meet with your boss, (or bosses) to discuss issues at some point during your work hours. If you work for a small company, then it's probably that person in the room next to you. If you work for a large corporation, then you probably answer to several people, possibly at the same time. Either way, I'll tell you a little secret about your bosses: they might not think that you are too bright. They may think, and even say, that you are generally competent, or even very smart in some ways. But, overall, their impression of you might be that you are not too swift, and certainly not as smart as they are.
Why? Because you are never right. Why are you never right? Because you do not think exactly like they do. You may come close. You may be so intuitive with your boss or manager or whomever, that you can tell their moods and how they will react during your current interaction. Still, because you cannot read their minds, you are always guessing what they want. Because of that, your every attempt to think ahead of them will fall short. No matter how good you are at your job, you do not see the "big picture" the way that they do, and that may make you less intelligent than them in their eyes.
Consider the following samples of comments/criticisms concerning current projects that I have heard from bosses to their subordinates, and consider how you would reply. I've listed my initial reactions
“The time estimation of the next phase of this project is due in fifteen minutes. I know that you originally estimated x amount of time, but be certain that you keep in mind the original objectives of this milestone.” (What does that mean?)
“You need to get ahead of this project by telling me what you are going to do next instead of waiting for me to tell you what is required.” (But, you are my superior. I guess I should just tell you what I did and wait to get criticized for that course of action.)
“I realize that the project drastically changed in its goals and objectives, but you need to follow through with your original project estimations.” (The original project estimates no longer apply. Time to punt.)
“You have not properly taken into account your available resources in this time estimation. Look at this assignment chart I just made, and rework your estimation based on that. This chart is only preliminary.” (Wait, you are currently redefining what I have to work with, and you want a projection on what will be done when?)
“You need to multi-task more effectively by prioritizing your deliverables according to their near-time completion and inter dependencies.” (So, I'm not getting any more resources for this project. Am I?)
Ridiculous? Yes, but I would be willing to bet that you have heard or will hear something eerily similar when dealing with one of your bosses now or in the future. What does any of that mean? What kind of sensible reply could anyone give to gibberish phrases such as these? It isn't that you are not informed enough or bright enough to give an answer, but more often than not, you don't understand what is is really being asked or stated. So, what do you do, about this situation? That mostly depends on your anticipated outcome, but will will undoubtedly have to deal with the root of the problem, which is your boss. Here are a few approaches to take with that person, and their probable results.
Possible Approaches
The Do nothing Approach
Should you really do nothing? Consider this: you boss is not your friend. He will tell you to have a good night on Thursday and fire you on Friday. He also probably does not have an interest in you succeeding beyond his direct benefit. He has no intention of promoting your reputation to his bosses, because that could put his job in jeopardy. If he is threatened by you, you are in greater danger of being removed.
Probable Result: A safe and non-confrontational approach, it probably will not get you anywhere in your current job, but neither will it worsen your situation, and a wait and see approach is rarely detrimental, especially if you are developing other career plans.
The Challenge Approach
Can you outmaneuver or belittle your boss in the eyes of the company? Yes. Should you do it publicly? Probably not. At best, you will look cut-throat to your coworkers, and at worst, you will have embarrassed your boss and yourself.
Probable Result: Your days will be numbered with that boss, and probably in the company, because who wants to take a "disloyal" subordinate into their group?
The Mentor Approach
This approach relies on your boss being willing to "teach" you what she knows. This has the advantage of allowing you greater access to her information, experience and view within the company. You will probably learn at least something useful, and it will promote you in her eyes, as she will feel that you are trying to be less incompetent. The down-side is that you will have to communicate with her on many news social levels, and the company may begin to see you as an extension of her. That is good if she is rising in the ranks, but not so good if she is on her way out the door.
Probable Result: If possible, this is a good approach that will help you do your job better and improve a working relationship between you and your boss. Just be certain to develop other relationships with other superiors, so that you can have an avenue of egress if the ceiling caves in upon her.
The Independent Approach
Also known as the "I'm much smarter than that guy!" approach, this path can be successful if you really are smarter than your boss. However, if you are so smart, why are you not already the boss? If you really do have a better approach, and can pull it off without your boss's help, then you obviously know the business well enough and have enough contacts that you don't really need them after all.
Probable Result: If you are successful, then you will be moving forward quickly, with our without your boss's blessing. If you screw-up, no none will come to your defense, so be certain that you succeed.
The Vengeful Approach
Whether you "get even" by sabotaging your work environment or attempt to harm your boss's career, the outcome is usually one-sided and rarely pleasant.
Probable Result: At best, you can expect to be fired with no decent references. At worst, depending upon what you do to harm the business, you could be looking at litigation or even criminal charges. This is never the right approach. The best revenge is always living well, as you will realize once you have some distance from your old boss and company.
Remember, it is just a job. If it is meeting most of your financial and personal needs, then there is no reason why you should not try and work with your current boss. It may not get better, but at least you have tried. Plan you internal and external career moves carefully, and don't just react, or you will find that many of your bosses treat you exactly the same way; as an idiot.
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