7 Things To Do If You're Smarter Than Your Boss

There are as many types of bad bosses as there are kinds of unhappy families. But in this infinite variety, among the worst is the boss who is…well…let’s just euphemistically say “not that bright.” It can be both a blessing and a curse to be smarter than your boss. On the one hand, it’s a constant reminder that advancement in the job can’t be that hard. On the other, working for someone who seems to be auditioning for a role in a Dumb and Dumber reboot can be a demoralizing experience.

If you find yourself in this situation, here are seven things you should do (or, in some cases, avoid doing) to improve your situation.

7. Learn something

Being smart isn’t the only qualification for a job. There are many other factors in being successful. Your boss may not know how to spell “supervise,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from him or her about office politics, emotional intelligence, or any number of other things.

6. Help out

Your boss may have some weaknesses. Make it your business to compensate for them – without bragging about it, of course. Once that’s done, you can begin to reap the rewards. Dr. Judith Sills of Psychology Today suggests that you “[g]ive your boss a menu of ways to compensate you for your extra effort [by using phrases like] ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we…’ [and] ‘I’d like to be included in the next…'”

5. Find other mentors

If your boss is too dull for you to learn much of anything, you’re not out of options. Find another higher-up person to act as a mentor. Ask for one-on-one conversations, to get involved in outside projects, or even to watch him or her work for a few hours. You’ll be surprised how generous big bosses can be if approached with openness and genuine interest.

4. Realize it might be on purpose

The fact that you’re smarter than your boss may be a sign that he or she is doing something right! In many companies, it is policy for supervisors to hire people they believe to be smarter than themselves. Phil Libin, the co-founder and CEO of Evernote, explained that instituting this idea throughout his company provided a long-term answer to the micromanagement that was plaguing his business.

3. Don’t tell anyone

You are right to be frustrated by having a boss who’s a dummkopf. But whatever you do, don’t complain about it to your co-workers! Gossiping is bad form in general – just ask Lil Wayne. It becomes all the worse when it makes you look like a know-it-all.

2. Don’t disagree publicly

Contradicting your boss in front of everyone may lead to a minute of satisfaction. But you’ll also turn the person who signs your paychecks into an enemy with breathtaking speed. If you must disagree, do so in private and diplomatically.

1. Consider getting out

If you’ve followed all these tips and are still endlessly frustrated, it may be time to hunt for a new job. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!