HBR Guide to Managing Up and Across (HBR Guide Series)

Dealing with Your Incompetent Boss

by Amy Gallo

We all complain about our bosses from time to time. Some of us even consider it part of our job descriptions. But there’s a difference between watercooler griping and paralyzing frustration, just as there’s a clear distinction between a manager with a few flaws and one who is truly incompetent. So how can you handle your bad boss?

What the Experts Say

“Most people have had experience with someone who is incompetent, or at least unhelpful,” says Annie McKee, coauthor of Becoming a Resonant Leader: Develop Your Emotional Intelligence, Renew Your Relationships, Sustain Your Effectiveness. That’s because too many companies promote people for the wrong reasons. Whether your boss lacks technical or managerial ...