What to Do When You’re Smarter than Your Boss. Article written by Robert Gatewood.
You successfully concealed your advanced degrees long enough to get an interview and land the job. Against incredible odds, you evaded the “multifaceted-experience” detection systems designed to keep you out. Now what? You can’t stay in the closet forever. Sooner or later, your over-qualifying experience will start to show.
Once upon a time, “skill and talent” were handy arrows for a job hunter to have in his quiver. But in an era of outsourcing and budget slashing, any sign that there might be an expectation of a live-able wage, the job interview will end quicker than a session of congress at recess time.
Somewhere along the way, the experienced worker has surpassed the cigarette smoker as the social pariah on the job, relegated to the windy balconies and back door stoops of the workplace landscape.
Inspite of incredible efforts to keep you out, you made it and now you’re working with your new boss. You knew you were in trouble when your boss thought that a one-stop was a drive-through window at the local supermarket. Soon, there is no disputing the indisputable…you’re smarted than your boss.
Even though it might have taken you awhile for YOU to realise it the boss knew it right away, possibly before you were hired. The good new is that it is unlikely that he will draw first blood. The not-so- good news is that he’s very sensitive and quick to note any sign of condescension or patronizing, therefore, it is critical that you take the necessary steps to minimize your being perceived as a threat.
If you find yourself several degrees smarter than your boss (no pun intended), here are ways to ensure that you maintain a happy work home: five ways to survive when you’re smarter than the boss;
- Realise that “smart” is a relative term. Even though you may have a higher IQ or more book smarts, your boss may be better equipped for the skills required for the job.
- Don’t be a show-off in meetings. This is usually an opportunity for the boss to shine. If you blow it for him, you’re asking for trouble.
- Resist the temptation to plaster your wall with every degree and certification you’ve received since the 4-H Club.
- Tone down the big words. Taking over the boss’s head will not win you any favours.
- Ask for the boss’s assistance from time to time even if you don’t need it. However, make sure it is something he knows how to do.
Remember that you’re on a job for a reason and a season. Keep that in mind and understand that an insecure boss can sabotage the reason as well as shorten the season.
Assure the boss that you’re not a threat to his position. That might just mean “dumbing it down” a notch, while not compromising your job performance.
Not only do these small gestures advance your job security, it also shows humility and statesmanship that will not go unnoticed by higher-ups.