Are You Better At Your Boss’ Job Than They Are? Take The Quiz

How many of us have had jobs where we figured out, rather quickly, that we are smarter—or at least better—at our boss’ job than they are?

Or we get a new boss and that guy or gal quickly shows us they are in over their heads but don’t even realize it. (Think: the Boss in the movie Office Space.)

Or they are demanding or throw tantrums or they are nincompoops. (Think: the TV show The Office.) 

Do You Even Want To Be “The Boss?”

For whatever the reasons, it seems as though the requirements for being “a boss” have fallen over the years….Maybe it’s that those of us who would be good at being “the boss” just don’t want that job—keeping both upper management and working staff happy, having to justify budgets that are too little for the mission, or having to manage people who become defensive or pouty.

Take The “I Could Be The Boss” Quiz

Even still, do you go home and say to your wife/ husband, or friend:  ‘I should take over my boss’ job?’

If so, let’s see if you’d be in a good position to get the promotion in your company or move up in the organization. If you answer ‘Yes’ more times than you answer ‘No,’ then you might be better positioned to advance in your organization than you even realize:

1. Do you spend time helping your boss figure out how to solve a problem you already solved?

2. Do you focus on meeting the mission of the work instead of making everything into a political fight?

3. Do your coworkers say you should be the boss because you know how to solve issues?

4. Do you spend more than 50% of your time doing their job, because they don’t know how to lead?

5. Do people seek you out to develop strategy versus going to your boss?

6. Are you constantly redirecting your boss’ efforts to focus on the things that actually matter?

7. Does your boss’ boss ask you for your advice as much or more than they ask your boss?

What Your Answers Mean

If you answered ‘Yes’ more times than ‘No,’ then ask yourself ‘What are you going to do?” 

While other articles on the subject of how to deal with incompetent bosses will tell you to stay positive, don’t get resentful, put on a bright smile, power through it, take deep breaths... I say it’s time to stop kowtowing and take over. I say put aside strategies for dealing with a crappy boss and just become one yourself. And if it’s not possible where you work, then switch jobs or move positions so you work with people who are focused on producing good outcomes with minimal drama.

In this era of Bullies and Incompetents running things, I say it’s time for the Competent among us to stand up and try to make things better.

 Isn’t it time that we try to make things better for ourselves (and others)? One way is to start is by stepping-up (or “leaning in” as some say) to affect improvement—by  moving-up and become “the boss”  or transferring to another unit or by moving-out…to another job.

I realize not everyone can easily change jobs or bosses (or become The Boss) but here is what I know absolutely (trite as it sounds): life is short and if you are stuck behind someone going in the wrong direction, you will go in the wrong direction too. And trust me on this: years pass easily and without notice, and accumulate in a manner than can be hard to reverse.

So do yourself a favor and make sure that you remain happy and fulfilled AND your work pursuits are bright and satisfying. If that seems like a tall order, at least orient yourself to a mindset of being satisfied—not angry or resentful—with your current work environment.

Whatever you decide to do, find a group of co-workers or bosses who are good at what they do, who encourage you to be your best self, and tuck-in with them.

About the author: Recognized by LinkedIn as a "Top Voice" in Health Care in 2015 & 2016, author Julie Kliger is passionate about improving health care. She is a consultant, author and speaker. She specializes in healthcare quality, organizational change and improvement.