Should a manager or boss know how to perform all the work of his or her subordinates?  When I got my first job out of college, I entered the workplace thinking that my boss should know how to do my work, otherwise, why should he be called the boss?  Doesn't the word "boss" imply telling others what to do?  Very quickly, I learned that it is impossible for a boss to know everything I do, and for them to be proficient at doing my work, along with their other subordinate's work.  A boss should be looking at a bigger picture than the everyday tasks that I and others perform.  They need to be working on the systems that get in the way of each of us performing our job, i.e., scheduling, hiring, firing, training, etc.

But what about those bosses that don't know how to do the most critical tasks of their own job?  I am using the word "incompetent" to describe these bosses.  Webster's Dictionary defines incompetent as"lacking the qualities needed for effective action".  Here might be a few examples of a bosses' incompetent behavior:

• A finance manager unable to understand financial reports
• A customer service manager who forgets the steps involved in handling a customer complaint
• A sales manager who cannot keep a commission system running smoothly

In some of these cases you may say these managers are lazy or unwilling to do their work.  This might be true, but in the end, they are "lacking the qualities needed for effective action" or incompetent. I am seeing a greater gap in competency as it relates to using technology between the older and younger workers.  Traditionalists and Boomers are not as able or willing to use technology the way that younger workers are able.   So, what can you do if your boss is unable or unwilling to perform their critical tasks satisfactorily?  I have listed a few ideas to help you work through this difficult situation:

• If you know how to perform the task, show your boss how to do it, or show them where they can learn, i.e., online courses, company operation's manuals, other employees, etc.

• Offer to take on the task yourself.  If you can perform your boss's task without disrupting your work, consider helping your boss by lifting it off his or her plate.  Your offer may actually help you get promoted, if and when your boss vacates the position.

• Share your frustration with a trusted co-worker or human resources representative.  The key here is to trust them not to share your feedback directly with your boss at this time, as this may backfire and harm your career.  Ask them to listen and provide feedback to your frustration and give ideas that may help the situation. 

• Casually mention your frustration with your boss's boss.  This is the most dangerous option to your future career and should only be used if the above three options have failed.  If the opportunity arises, approach your boss's boss with the idea that all managers may need a refresher training in _____ (insert whatever your boss needs help with here). 

• Transfer to a different area or quit.  These should be your last step options but often they are what you need to remedy the situation.  You, and your family, who are tired of hearing you complain, will probably thank you for finally doing something about the problem.

When working with an incompetent boss, it may seem to be a hopeless situation.  However, if you try to offer help, share your frustration with a trusted co-worker or consider leaving, you may be one step closer to enjoying your job again.