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 realist 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 inventively; 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 methods 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.
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