Time to look for something else. A relationship that lacks respect is doomed.

OP: 21:57. Thanks. I learn something today. He is just lame! He can't go anywhere.

He is an executive because of nepotism.

20:33, I think your approach is what's expected of me. Usually I just finish whatever it is and let him know.

However, this is a big project and he's done nothing in terms of direction, leadership, and management. All he's asking is when it will be done.

I presented the obstacles and he just said "you are smart, you will figure it out."

Do you know what "lame duck" means?

It means he's on a glide path to leaving the job (as in a politician whose term is ending). If so then he'll be gone at some point.

If not, then you just mean "lame"?

That matters as far as what advice to give.

If the former, be patient.

If the latter, IMO you can only take it for so long depending on how much his lameness affects your day to day work and job satisfaction.

My new boss (came in 18 mos. ago) was so clueless and lame that as soon as our office offered buyouts I retired 2 yrs. early and let him take over all the parts of his job that I did for him, but he was too clueless to realize.

The "oh, shit" look on his face and his bosses when they realized they had to figure out how to cover this was priceless but they reaped what they had sown through a few yrs. of inattention, arrogance, and disrespect.

So at some point you may have to find another place to land. The ultimate answer's too fact specific to give good advice here. Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:OP: Good point. I need to not care and concentrate on feeding his ego.

It is not easy. I asked for his opinion and he never had any.

Then he said I never asked for his opinion. I think he wants me to give him my opinion, so he can tell them like it's his ideas. hmm..

I tell my boss my opinion when I present the issue, and then say "unless you disagree" or "what do you think." 90% of the time he says he agrees with my position. I doubt he would come to the same conclusion on his own because he doesn't know anything, but this way he thinks he does or at least can save face, and I can move on and do what we need to do.

OP: Good point. I need to not care and concentrate on feeding his ego.

It is not easy. I asked for his opinion and he never had any.

Then he said I never asked for his opinion. I think he wants me to give him my opinion, so he can tell them like it's his ideas. hmm..

Anonymous wrote:I considered my job to be an acting job. I had to act like an employee enamored with her boss. I should have won an Oscar.

+1 We can win Oscars for different years!

I have a good relationship w/ my boss and we're the same age, so I tell him when he's being a douche.

My boss before that was a major suck-up and was completely fake. I couldn't stand it.

what is this with bosses who want their ego fed. This is a new thing for my boss of 7 years. I think he's loosing his mind. I really do.

I am now at the point where I don't care about him/his opinion. I love the actual job part and the organization. The trouble is he is destroying it. That causes me great pain.

I considered my job to be an acting job. I had to act like an employee enamored with her boss. I should have won an Oscar.

Easy. I need my job to pay the mortgage, so I suck up. If you make it meaningless to you, it really doesn't take much effort or thought or emotional energy. Really, what's the harm?

OP: I vent to anyone who will listen.

My boss knows nothing about nothing. I did try asking for his opinion but he never had the answer. I stopped asking after awhile.

Basically he's not happy that I don't feed his ego.

I would not bitch to coworkers about it. It may get back to boss. Vent to fire ds and family who don't work with you

woops should say DH not DS

I bitched about it to my office mate (who also hated him), complained to DS, and rejoiced when he went on vacation, had the day off, or left early.

After 3 incidents (1 including me) I finally had enough and quit. Those were the best 4 weeks at my job...no fucks given.

I wish I am a better liar. I have a lame duck manager and basically he's saying I don't make him feel important.

I hate my job.