How Would You Handle Reporting to a Less Skilled and Unmotivated Manager?

Dear seniors,

How would you react and do your job when management says to you that you need to report Mr. X. And there is nothing in Mr. to X you can learn, get motivated; as he himself is not disciplined, not skilled as required and doesn't want anybody to come-up unto his level as he is only directly reporting to the MDs.

Please share your views/opinion and suggestions to deal this kind of situation.

Best,
OM

Dear OM,

You should follow management's decision, but let's wait for the experts' comments on this.

Regards,
Manoj

Hi Om, I think that every person has some advantage which, if properly utilized, can lead to success in both their career and personal life.

If the person you are reporting to has progressed within the organization without sufficient technical knowledge, then they may possess some special skills. By learning and mastering these skills, you can greatly benefit.

Reporting directly to the Managing Directors poses its own set of challenges. Observing how your superior handles these challenges can provide valuable insights, as not all crucial discussions take place within office walls.

One option could be to assume that the person reached their current position solely through networking and impressing the MDs, leading you to consider giving up and seeking alternative employment. However, I believe this approach is not advisable for the reasons mentioned above.

Alternatively, you could choose to remain in your current role, conduct thorough research, acquire knowledge from your superior, and incorporate these insights into your own approach. By doing so, you too can achieve success in your career.

These are solely my opinions, and I am open to correction if proven wrong.

Hi Om,

Your problem is not unique, and many of us might have faced such a situation - myself included. Drawing from my experience, I can say that learning from the 'Transactional Analysis' concept helps. This concept teaches you how to deal with different personalities (Parents, Adults, and Child personalities). It is essential to understand the other person's personality and act accordingly. Your boss deserves respect by default.

Keep reporting to him in a professional manner, and sometimes use language that goes beyond his understanding. Allow him to come to you for clarifications, then 'train' him and demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Make him dependent on you.

Add value with well-presented reports. Do not worry about the 'credit-taking game.' If the rest of the organization knows his 'capabilities,' then the MD should also be aware. Your good report presentations will undoubtedly earn you due recognition from everyone.

However, keep one thing in mind. If he has been made your boss, the golden rule states: "DO NOT SUPERCEDE YOUR BOSS, EVER." Instead, ask him if you can explain the reports, facts, figures, etc., to the management. I am sure he will be happy to allow you to do so due to his own shortcomings.

All the best!

Prashant Das
AGM-HR
Aksh Optifibre Ltd., New Delhi

Respected Prashant and Siva Sir,

Thank you a lot for your valuable comments and views. I will try my level best to follow your words going forward.

Let me tell you one thing that might give you a chance to rethink. It is a start-up company, and my future boss and I joined this company within a two-month difference. We both have almost the same years of experience. But, as you mentioned, he might have some special skills, which is why he has been directly reporting to the MDs, or maybe it's because he joined before me.

Any second thoughts after this, please...

Anyway, I know, "BOSS IS ALWAYS RIGHT."

Manoj sir, thanks for your views.

Best,

OM

Until you get your regular salaries, nothing's wrong whether you report to whom. This question arises when your management realizes the underutilization of your potential. This means you still have to prove your potential and win the confidence of your management. This is my conclusion.

Regards,
Rashid

Hi,

I appreciate your way of answering this query. When we are professional in our job, we will surely make a good impression on the management.

Dear OM,

If you are a fresher, then you cannot afford to change your job, as the entire industrial sector is currently experiencing a recession. However, I disagree with what other members have said about the credibility of your boss. It is possible for a person to advance in the organizational hierarchy due to coincidence and sheer luck, which might be the case with your boss as well.

There is no point in wasting your time with a person who does not add value. Furthermore, if your boss is unwilling to share his experience or knowledge with you, you may soon find yourself stuck doing only clerical work. Make sure you secure a good job first before considering any form of protest.

Also, remember the phrase "First Deserve then Desire."

Leo

Dear members,

I am a little confused after reading the LEO's comment on my question. Can you please shed some more light on this?

Best, OM

Dear OM
I don't think so. In my opinion some rules should also be there for employees working in Private organizations. Condition becomes even worst when someone has to report to a boss who is inefficient, incapable and not having some special skill and knowledge and most of such bosses are promoted not due to their caliber but only due to buttering and cheap method used by them for pleasing the seniors.
It has been seen that in most of the organizations even 10th, undergraduate employees are promoted and when such incapable persons become bosses, situation really become very embarrassing and demotivation of employees start in such culture. In such organizations what is the meaning of qualification ,knowledge and skills.I know Boss is Boss and he is considered always right in our society but we have to change our society if we want improvement otherwise we cannt stop deterioration of our society.

regards,

You should take it as a blessing in disguise and understand your future career path if you are really brighter than your boss. It is only a matter of time and opportunity. It is said that you always have the choice to choose your company and not the boss.

V.S. Sarode

Hi Ritu & V.S.,

Recently, I have come to know that he has started gossiping about me. I have almost no chance to go to the MDs. I am not afraid of that, as I know if I am right and good at my work, I should not be worried about these things. However, I do know that if you keep repeating something which is wrong in front of somebody, that will become "true" for him/her.

What should I do?

Best, OM

I agree with Mr. Prashant and Siva; however, let me further add that IMAGE is something very important that everybody needs to focus on. The way you dress up, the way you behave, the way you show your gestures, and the way you convey your message, whether verbal or non-verbal, reflects your IMAGE to your bosses and colleagues. So, here we are, working hard in the right direction to communicate as a well-deserved person to your MD, colleagues, and your boss. By doing so, you will have the winning shot on your side with the passage of time.

I hope that helps and that this will be taken in the right spirit. Please forgive me if I have made any mistakes.

Rgds,
Ayaz

Thanks Ayaj, I 100% agree with what you said. Image is important to me too, and I do try my level best to be up to the mark while communicating verbally and non-verbally.

What if my MDs are seated in another building, and as I mentioned previously, I have almost no chance to go to them, maybe once a month or two when they call.

I have a better image within employees, but I don't think that is going to solve my purpose.

My purpose is to get acknowledged for whatever I do and get what I deserve.

I tried to communicate the same to the MDs indirectly, but it seems if their business is running smoothly, they are not worried about all these things.

I know this is a part of professional life, and everyone will face almost the same situation once or twice in his or her life.

I am seeking advice from those who have experienced this situation and have come up with good results. How?

Best,

OM

Even in my case, I am reporting a person who has half of the experience and is 2 years younger than me. Management gives much importance to him because he joined when the company started 5 years ago. His technical credibility is zero; he simply bluffs and takes advantage of ethics. He uses command and control techniques to handle the team. His boss doesn't care, and they have a mutual understanding.

Please give a few suggestions on how to cope with this type of situation.

Tanvi

Hi Om,

Thanks for reading my views and giving feedback. I have been reading the views, and I would beg to differ with some of the opinions here.

1. I think there are a lot of multimillionaires without formal degrees who are running their organizations and providing employment to many highly educated individuals. So, I would rather respect talent as well as education. If I have to make a choice, I would prioritize the former unless it is a very special skill that can only be gained through education.

2. If there are people in organizations who rose through the ranks by buttering up at the managerial level and can't perform their job effectively, then those companies should have shut down. However, I don't believe this is a common occurrence in many companies. During this economic meltdown, I believe many industries employing graduates from Harvard are also facing challenges.

Now, coming to the point of how to take credit for your work:

- First, learn your manager's leadership style.
- Search for ways to make him listen to you.
- Talk to him in a manner that resonates with his style and persuade him to take you to meetings with MDs.
- Begin giving presentations, especially if your manager lacks technical expertise.
- Strategically involve your boss in the presentation or have him answer a question related to it.
- Ideally, your boss should not be able to answer technical questions.
- If he can, your perception may be incorrect.
- If he can skillfully redirect the discussion to you, he possesses valuable skills you may need from team members in the future.
- Before the meeting, send the presentation to your boss for reference.
- If he contacts you to explain the presentation, it shows he is willing to learn and prepare for potential cross-questioning.
- This indicates his intelligence in anticipating possible questions.

- He may excel in the first two points I mentioned, which could be contributing to his success.

Please share your views on these points.

Again, this is my opinion, and I am open to corrections if I am mistaken.

Dear Siva sir,

What a coincidence! Today after lunch, my so-called boss was to submit a manpower requirement related to a new job/client to MDs, which is scheduled to start next week. He asked me to prepare and send the same to him before lunch. I did so and sent it before lunch. Then he called me to explain the same. I explained and put a request if you need my help I can come with you to explain in detail, but he refused, saying no, no I'll manage myself.

It is not the first time; he applies the same trick every time and gets the report done from me and others and adds something and sends the same to management and gets appreciated. He does not give a chance to anybody to go to MDs.

They also visit our premises rarely. Whatever is communicated by him is the only source for them. But I am sure they must be knowing each and everybody's skills and capabilities as they only took the final interview of each employee, including me.

I do believe in them and doing my job with 100% dedication. Let's see what happens at the time of appraisal. We'll complete one year in next March.

Best,

OM

it generally happens in the organisation. we have to obey the management's decision. After all, management has given due consideration for appointing this person for xyz position. We can not choose our bosses but we have to change ourself. Change is not, getting dominated by anyone but rather having the courage to say yes or no at the right place and at the right time and not driven by the orders (not justified) given by this xyz boss.
If the job/orders given by him is not logical, give a justification for not doing it or suggesting an alternative. Stand by your own principles. If something is not going correct, then it becomes the right of the employees concerned to raise the issues at the right time before the senior management team, but should have all the logicial and justified reasons behind every point.
company runs only when it runs on the true path, false roads always lead to shutting down the company.

Hi OM,

As a member, let me clarify my points. Your case will be handled depending on the organization and the level of top management (MD) and others. Maybe there is some gameplay involved, otherwise, management may not recognize your skills. Don't worry. Be patient and report to that person. Then wait and see. If you are "skilled," gradually, he will come your way, and a nice working environment will be created there. All the best.

Thanks,
Sunny
Management Consultant
Delhi.

Hi,

Let me give you a clear picture of what human perception is. We never like our boss because he is in a commanding state and we are at the obeying state. The first difference is that everybody faces the same kind of problem; even I faced it. But when you become the boss, then you will say that your boss was right at that time because you will follow the same. The boss is not bad; unless he is like that, nobody will listen to him. For God's sake, never underestimate someone even though they may lack some knowledge; they might have excelled in areas where you have never gone through.

Try to learn from your seniors or boss and execute in a better way when your turn comes, and see the results. Have some patience to learn things from the boss/seniors; there is no harm in it. Sometimes the boss tries to test your patience; hang on with resistance and never burst out. There is a lot to learn in this world. We are just learners.

Hi Om,

First of all, I am sorry for being so late in replying. Well, I think if someone has to report to an inefficient boss, as per me, it's the best thing that can happen to someone. I hope this might be shocking to a few. Let me explain.

I hope we know a term called DELEGATION OF WORK. If the boss is inefficient, then he/she is going to delegate the entire work to his/her direct report (DR). So, for the DR, it is the best opportunity to increase his/her learning curve. While doing the boss's work, one can be recognized in his/her boss's good books. So, as per me, it's only a win-win situation, though it has some challenges as well. One will have to work really hard, but focus on what you will get. People in management will know that it's you who have done the job. The opportunity to grow is also immense.

Regards,
Ankur

Do can anyone help me on how to create a "training calendar" or provide a sample that I can refer to? Also, could someone share a sample of training needs analysis?

Hi,

Can anyone help me with the format for a detailed progress report and projections?

Regards,
Jay

Thank you very much, Sunny, Uday, and Ankur for your excellent comments and guidance.

I do believe in them (MDs); that's why I have been here for the last 6 months. It seems that my boss is also happy and seeking my help in each assignment because his attitude towards me has changed. However, I am not sure how long this will last. He is receiving more assignments these days and requires my assistance to complete them. Could this be a reason for his increased closeness towards me?

I completely agree with Uday's comment... WE ARE JUST LEARNERS...

But what new things will I learn if there is no one to guide and teach me? Certainly, I will sharpen my existing skills. From my understanding, if your boss wants to see you grow, only then can you progress, and they will assist you if it does not jeopardize their position and if they benefit from your growth. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

I slightly disagree with Ankur's comments...

I am not his only Direct Report (DR); he has two DRs. The other one has been with him for the past three years (from a previous organization) and is from his hometown. They spend their entire day together. Therefore, it is not a win-win situation for me. How will my MDs recognize that it was me who completed the job? Hence, the opportunity for growth is uncertain.

In any case, I would like to express my gratitude to all the members who have provided or are providing their views, comments, and valuable suggestions to help me resolve my issues.

Best, OM

It happens in almost all organizations, so here we are provided with many good ideas that will help the fresher for sure. Thanks.

But I do believe in learning. If the boss is really letting you do his work always, then it's good for your future prospects as you have learned many things beyond your job profile. Experiences really matter, which means practical knowledge. So, keep up with the work and then, later on, if the situation is still the same, start searching for a better job.

Regards,
Vidya

I have read almost all comments which are given in this section. All comments are the same in all angles, but one thing which we have to consider is the boss is the boss, whether he is knowledgeable or not. The only thing is he is the boss, and top management makes him our superior, so we have to obey. But when you feel something wrong that the boss is doing or acting in a wrong way, you can give him suggestions. That will create a good impression on the boss. There are kinds of bosses:

1. Rude
2. Tough
3. Sweet Knife

The first type is those who consider their juniors as animals. In that case, you have to be patient. They are not well-behaved.

The second type is tough; they are hard, but they will teach you more than you can imagine.

The third type is very dangerous; you should be very careful.

These comments are my own. If someone does not agree with my words, please write me an email at nomeyonline@yahoo.com.

Muhammad Hanan
Account Supervisor

Dear Om,

The org structure is defined in such a way that one will always have to compete with each other; however, it should be a healthy competition. Om, when it comes to work, what matters is punctuality and end-to-end closure. When an assignment is given, try to close it before time and exceed the expectations. What matters is reliability and the approach to achieve the target.

Let me explain something that happened to me. Almost 8 months ago, my boss changed, and my new boss was working with HR-Recruitment and then moved to our department, HR-Generalist. As expected, he was a data-driven person. During the initial days, I had to do hand-holding with him and take him through the processes and procedures. On the other hand, my previous boss believed in quality rather than numbers. This was a complete transformation, which was the demand at that time. I tried to convince my new boss, and we had a debate, but nothing turned out as I wanted. I simply gave him some time to understand the game but kept on doing what he asked for. 100% closure was his mantra, and I provided just that. Later, another colleague who was senior to me in terms of level joined the team, and he was a favorite of many. Certainly, he became my boss's first choice and started listening to him. I knew the way they wanted to operate was not going to be that good. So after giving them some time to think that I was with them, I started doing things in two ways. One is the way they wanted me to operate, and the other is the way I wanted to operate, and I asked them to compare which was more effective. Later on, I started completing the tasks before the deadline my boss had set, which made me a reliable person, and now he trusts me blindly. He now knows very well that when I ask for something, there is a genuine reason behind it. Recently, my boss moved me to a new assignment, and before my transfer, he told me one thing: "Boy, there are many issues in your new assignment, and it's only you who can sort it out." And I think that's called trust.

As far as guidance is concerned, in case of any doubt, just approach your boss. But make sure you do your homework first. As we are talking about an unskilled person here, it's quite certain that he will not have any idea about what you're talking about. So, present your idea in terms of what you think will be best, but also mention that you are not entirely sure about it. Either he will ask someone who knows about it or will ask you to seek advice from someone who knows. At this moment, your PR skills will play a vital role. If you have a good relationship with a senior person (Manager), ask them. This will serve two purposes: firstly, you will learn the work, and secondly, he will realize that it's you who is actually doing it for him. These kinds of actions spread like wildfire.

This is my thinking, and I could be wrong as well.

When a manager keeps people who are more skilled and more experienced than he is, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of dismissing the idea, consider that Abraham Maslow may not have been entirely incorrect. It is beneficial to understand the manager's true motivations and leverage them. Every individual typically harbors positive intentions derived from their past experiences. Remember, the manager is also a human being, part of the species Homo sapiens. By recognizing his needs and adhering to a well-thought-out sales strategy, you can effectively market yourself while maintaining a fair price point.

Dear OM,

There are some decisions at the management level which can't be challenged. Your boss, being your reporting manager, has to be given due respect. Your boss may have skills of which your MD may be aware.

But remember one thing, when you are reporting at the level of MD, one has to be almost on his toes, and work has to be done with due diligence. There is no margin for error. Your reporting manager may have mastered these skills, and you have to learn this. Don't break the hierarchy at reporting levels or try to supersede your boss. Instead, try to help him and take more responsibility, making him dependent on you. Put more effort into whatever work you do, and your boss will realize your efforts, which in turn may help you to further your career.

These are my views.

Answer to the above topic:

The troublesome person (Mr. X) is an opportunity for you to learn from him. We can understand why he is not disciplined and why he behaves in that manner. By recognizing people like Mr. X, we can work on changing him or influencing him to follow our guidance.

Thank you.

Dear Praveen & Sandesh,

Thanks a lot for your comments. I will keep these suggestions in mind while dealing with my manager. Once again, thank you everyone for guiding me.

Best,
OM

OM Bhai,
What is altimate aim of working is to get salary at the end of month. Until that is happening you are safe not to worry. It is to your advantage. Look at others whos bosses are knowledgable they are victims of knowledgable boss. Don't think knowledgable boss is always helpful to you.
We have to focus on end result of our services. You have many forums and platforms where you can improve your knowledge.
rashid