How can I work for a boss whose intelligence I don’t respect?
First, cut him some slack. Is it possible that his intellectual assets are simply different from yours? Maybe his strength lies in patiently gathering facts and avoiding costly errors or in dealing with the corporate brass, something you wouldn’t like to do. A low-key demeanor that you take for lack of intellect and leadership may actually be a style that’s well suited to your company’s management structure. My point is that you have to be objective. Understand that many of us feel frustrated when our superiors seem to exhibit limitations. After all, bosses are parent figures, and they remind some of us of the pain we endured when we discovered our parents were fallible. Some of us respond with lifelong conflict with authority figures. To break that cycle, try to collaborate with him and be supportive. Ask him for opportunities to display your skills. If you find that he is not willing to help you grow professionally, get out and find someone who will.
