My boss is trying to minimize my job exposure because I am outshining him. What is the proper thing to do?

Question

I have been an outstanding performer in work (Corporate Finance) and I am able to report to the President and COO on certain projects. My boss wants all the attention so he tries to make it seem that I am doing a very small role in the projects, even if I am the one who does everything from start to finish. I really need some great advice.

Answer 1

continue doing a great job, for your boss and for your boss' boss. people will realize that they can't let you go, especially if it is a good job. hang on there and try to shine like you always have. quitting will never get you anywhere. if your boss looks good, then you will get eventually promoted.

Answer 2

This is tough.

If you give notice and quit your boss will be exposed as a no
nothing.But you will have lost a good job.

Unless the company has a policy of granting an "Exit interview"
where you are asked "why are you leaving?"

This may be a risky way to make your point.
Lunch with the big wigs may not be the answer,you could be let go because of the "good old boys club"
Belive it or not big company's let very good people go all the time so as to not upset management.
Perhaps something important will come up when you are on vacation,your boss won't be able to handle it and be exposed as
hot air.
What are those odds?
Here is my best Idea,start looking thru the want adds,(or hire a head hunter) word hopefully will get back to the big bosses and
they will want to know whats up.
Here is where things can get political,you know these people does any of this make sense.
If you are well enough known other companys may ring the big bosses phone,or maybe the phone of your boss.

I wish I knew more,hope this helped.

Answer 3

Hmmm, tough issue, but here's my advice.

Number 1, it is critical in the corporate world to be considered a "team player" so don't stab him in the back.

Now, how do you both get proper recognition, and be a team player..

Continue to do your outstanding work, create the proper reports, and when you submit your reports always include a copy to your boss's boss. Make sure in your cover letter or synopsis to mention your boss, and his contribution to your work in a VERY POSITIVE manner.

Keep your boss in the loop, even as you outshine him, make sure some of that glow is reflected on him, to improve his status also. Involve your boss in your processes.

I'd also highly recommend sitting down with your boss, and having a very frank discussion with him. Tell him directly, I want to move up in this company, let's team up, and make this happen for both of us. He probably wants a piece of the action, get him involved, make him better too.

I'd guess if your description is accurate, that soon you'll leap frog over him, just make sure you leave good feelings behind, because he can be just as damaging to you from the opposite side.

P.S. When I'm talking about giving your boss credit for his participation in a project, it can be as simple as mentioning his leadership, his giving you advice, his being there for you to bounce ideas off of, etc.. Just make sure he feels you're not trying to take him out of the loop, or trying to blindside his position in the company.

Answer 4

Take your project results directly to the CEO before the "formal" presentation of the project by your boss, go over his head. Make it quite clear that your work is not being credited. Ask for a special assignment which your boss will not be involved, then shine like the sun. Insist that he be given an assignment in which you will not be involved. If you are as good as you say, the CEO should want to know. Good luck.

Answer 5

Terry_L: your dilemma is real. In a perfect world, your success should be a sign of your boss's ability to pick winners (you in this case). But we are Human and imperfect, so your situation. I recommend to you Business Week's "Ideas - The Welch Way". In the past few weeks, Jack and Suzie Welch discussed this same issue. My advice to you is that if you like your company and its culture, stay put and weather the storm. If you have the leadership visibility you stated, these leaders will elevate you to the next level. Do not undermine your current boss...support him/her the best you can and keep thinking "big picture".

Best wishes.

Answer 6

I would report certain things to the head bosses without your boss knowing... It is rather scandalous, but if he was a good boss he would know what you are working on so it wouldn't bother him.

Answer 7

If what you say is true others will notice. If you are performing that well maybe you need to move to another company where you can be appreciated.