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“If you make your leader your adversary, you will create a no-win situation.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, How to Lead When Your Boss Can't (or Won't) (p. 50). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

And that’s not what we want, is it?

John says, “The first natural reaction most people have when working for a bad boss is often to withdraw from him or her and build relational barriers. It comes from the urge to protect themselves. You need to fight that urge… If you allow yourself to develop contempt for the person, you’re hurting both of you.

“Instead, build a relational bridge. Try to get to know him or her. Find common ground. Build a solid professional relationship… Your boss’s inability to lead doesn’t mean you have to make him or her your enemy.”

John goes on, “Everybody has strengths—even an ineffective leader. Strive to find them in the person you work for. Maybe it won’t be easy. Maybe her strengths aren’t qualities you value or admire. That doesn’t matter. Is your boss kind, creative, detail-oriented, outgoing, able to focus, able to dream? Look long and hard to find positive traits. Search for skills. Ask about background, education, and past experiences. Anything and everything. And then think about how those positives could benefit the team or the organization.”

He continues, “The pathway to success in your career lies in maximizing your strengths. That is also true for your boss. Once you have discerned what these strengths are and how those characteristics can be an asset to the organization, look for ways to help your boss leverage them.

“I know what you’re probably thinking: I don’t want to. Why should I help my bad boss? But what’s the alternative? If you don’t do your best and help your boss do the same, are you really helping your organization? Are you earning your way? Are you making things better or worse for everyone around you? Your own negative feelings are not as important. If you want to get unstuck from your current situation, you need to take the high road and help your boss.

“Wise leaders not only leverage their strengths, but they also staff their weaknesses. They empower people who work with you to fill in your talent gaps.”

John then says, “You may not be working for a wise leader, but you can still play that same gap-filling role with your boss. I’m sure you already have a mental list of your boss’s weaknesses. However, you must be very careful in the way you approach this subject. Don’t point out weaknesses. And don’t assume your boss is aware of his weaknesses. Be tactful. For example, you might ask where your boss would like more help. If he asks for help in an area of weakness, then offer to fill that role, and then carry the ball in that area. Or help someone else to fill in this gap. The idea is to free him up to do what he does best. Let him know you want to do that for him. That’s beneficial for everyone on the team.”

John gives some very practical advice here, doesn’t he? 

Yes, yes!
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