Strategically Handling Incapable Managers: A Guide for Women Leaders
Dealing with an incapable manager can be one of the most challenging obstacles for a woman in leadership. While these managers may lack the skills or vision needed to lead effectively, directly confronting them can be fraught with risks.
An incapable manager can hinder your progress through poor decision-making, lack of direction, or insufficient support. Research from Harvard Business Review indicates that 58% of employees trust a stranger more than their boss when they perceive their manager as incompetent. This distrust can lead to disengagement and decreased productivity.
Instead, strategically navigating this scenario can turn it into an opportunity for growth and visibility.
Tactics for Strategically Navigating Incompetent Management
1. Learn to “Attack” Nicely:
Addressing the issue of an incompetent manager requires a subtle and strategic approach. Rather than direct confrontation, use your influence to highlight the need for change and improvement within the team.
Example: During team meetings, subtly steer discussions towards best practices and innovative solutions, making sure to credit team ideas that align with efficient and effective management.
2. Choose Your Competitors Wisely:
Instead of competing with your manager or junior colleagues, aim higher. Identify the star performers or your superiors as your benchmarks. This approach not only sets higher standards for yourself but also demonstrates your ambition and capability to others.
Example: Align your work quality and output with that of the top performers in your team or department. This not only showcases your potential but also creates a natural comparison that highlights the managerโs shortcomings.
3. Proactively Elevate Your Brand:
Ensure your contributions are visible to higher-level executives. This helps in positioning yourself as a valuable asset to the organisation, independent of your managerโs capabilities.
Example: Take initiative in high-visibility projects and ensure your role and contributions are clearly communicated to senior management through reports, presentations, or informal updates.
At Iron Lady, we equip women with Business War Tactics to handle the complexities of working under incompetent managers. By addressing incompetence tactfully and choosing your competitors wisely, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Ready to equip yourself with the capabilities to navigate complex managerial dynamics? Then register for the 2-day Leadership Masterclass Program.
