You at Work: How to Be Effective with a Bad Boss

Dealing with Your Incompetent Boss

Leaving your job isn’t the only option.by Amy Gallo

Everyone complains about their boss from time to time. But there’s a difference between everyday griping and stressful frustration, just as there is a clear distinction between a manager with a few flaws and one who is incompetent. Dealing with the latter can be anguishing and taxing. But with the right mindset and a few practical tools, you can not only survive but flourish.

What the Experts Say

“Most people have had experience with someone who is incompetent, or at least unhelpful,” says Annie McKee, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and coauthor ...