I understand. I think perhaps I should have added that in addition to the issue with the boss, my portfolio is moving more towards work I dislike due to staffing issues. So it is not just his competence or noncompetence that is making me unhappy. I realize that is a big fact I left out. I was just more frustrated with him as a person when I posted.

Nice and incompetent seems fine. He doesn't actually sound incompetent. I would work with this.

Anonymous wrote:He's a fine person, not mean or rude, but doesn't seem to know the substance of what we do very well or have good advice. He often gives direction that doesn't make sense or show an understanding of our subject matter. I try to remain polite, but am getting frustrated as there is no one to go to for help or direction except coworkers. I would be fine with having a beer with him and making chit chat, but I don't want to work for him any more. Is this normal? How have others handled it?

This is the kind of boss you ask for a non supervisory promotion

In summary, it is far far better to have a nice incompetent boss than any type of toxic boss.

I know it’s frustrating, but count your blessings.

I am OP and actually agree with this. I think it is just frustrating because my old boss here was terrific, and before that, I came from an organization where there were multiple different supervisors (assigned by matter) so even if one was not terrific it is spread around.

I just went from a nice incompetent boss to a toxic incompetent boss. It’s been… not great.

And in the past I had a competent but toxic boss. I can assure you that even if the boss knows what he or she is doing, all the good people flee the toxic environment, and so you end up with a toxic boss and incompetent colleagues. At which point toxic boss will dump all the work on the few competent people left, and then blame them for all the problems.

In summary, it is far far better to have a nice incompetent boss than any type of toxic boss.

I know it’s frustrating, but count your blessings.

I was told in boss training if my staff is great I can put my feet up on desk, read newspaper and enjoy my coffee.

In reality my staff keeps annoying me as they are stupid

You aren't going to fix a boss you think is incompetent - take control of what you can, which means finding a new job or position elsewhere in the org

Is there anyone outside of your group or your company that you can ask for help?

Right now, yes, but she is leaving our organization soon.