Dealing with Incompetent and Ineffective Leaders (part 1)

A normal reaction to dealing with incompetent and/or ineffective leaders is to fix or replace the leader you’re working for, but that is usually not an option for leaders in the middle of the organization. But even if it were, it would be inappropriate. No matter what the circumstance, our limitation isn’t the leader above us – it’s the spirit within us. Remember your leadership is more about your disposition than your position. The role of leaders in the middle of an organization – in nearly every circumstance – is to add value to the organization and to the leader. The only time that is not true is when the leader above you is unethical or criminal. So what you do when you find yourself following a leader who is incompetent and/or ineffective? How do you add value in such a circumstance? Most good leaders have had to ask themselves those questions at some time in their lives. In fact, the stronger you are as a leader, the more likely you are to face a situation where you can lead more effectively than the person to whom you report. It may not be easy, but it is possible to survive – and even flourish in a situation like this. Here are some recommendations... 1. Develop a Solid Relationship with Your Leader: The first reaction to working with an ineffective leader is often to withdraw from him of her and build relational barriers. Fight that urge. If you make your leader your adversary, you will create a no-win situation. Instead, build a relational bridge. Try to get to know him/her. Find common ground. Build a solid professional relationship. And in the process, reaffirm your commitment to the mission of the organization. Doing those things will put you on the same team. 2. Identify & Appreciate Your Leader’s Strengths: Everybody has strengths – even an incompetent and/or ineffective leader. Work to find them in the person you work for. It may not be easy. Maybe his/her strengths aren’t qualities you value or admire. That doesn’t matter. Find them, and then think about how they might be assets to the organization. 3. Commit Yourself to Adding Value to Your Leader’s Strengths: The pathway to success in your career lies in maximizing your strengths. That is also true for your leader. Once you have discerned what your leader’s strengths are and how those characteristics can be an asset to the organization, look for ways to help leverage those strengths. This list of ideas on how to deal with incompetent and/or ineffective leaders will be continued tomorrow. In the meantime, if you are Are you struggling under an ineffective and/or incompetent leader Truth@Life can help. Call 248-396-6255 or email me at curtis.songer@gmail.com for a FREE consultation. For more info on help I can provide check out http://truthatlife.com/