10 Ways To Deal With The Clueless But Connected Boss
Stuck with a boss who has power but no clue? Challenge office chaos with humor, strategy, and smart workarounds. Here are 10 ways to survive—and maybe even thrive—under their leadership!
There is always a cause for concern when a family member is employed by the business. They call it nepotism, and it can be a real pain in the arse when they are given the delightful position of being your line manager or placed in your care to manage.
This person could be a husband, wife, son or daughter, or even someone's grandmother. This can lead to fear and having to tiptoe around this person, especially when you need to fulfil your day by gossiping, which would be a disaster if they could hear you.
Although we assume the worst, there is a chance that the connected family members need to prove themselves to the family, and the boss might want to know how they are interacting with their coworkers.
1. Opportunity
This dooshbag might have the brains of a walnut, but wait, we might have something here. It could be an opportunity to rise the ladder on the back of the nepo baby. Get to know them, make them feel special, and let them ask you for advice.
This could be the beginning of your new career path to a position you've always dreamed of. A quick word with mummy or daddy and the job is yours. Boom!
The Office Bantomime Team
2. Survival Mode
Sometimes, the best approach is to keep your head down and do the bare minimum required to survive. Don’t waste your energy trying to impress them or call them out on their incompetence.
Just collect your paycheck, nod at their nonsense, and let them believe they are leading the team like a pro. Ignorance is bliss, and so is your job security.
3. Reverse Mentorship
Let’s face it—some of these nepotism hires have absolutely no clue what they’re doing. Instead of mocking them behind their back (which, let’s be honest, you’ll still do), why not try teaching them something useful?
If you can turn them into a half-decent leader, at least your work life will be less painful. Bonus points if you make them think your ideas are theirs.
James Mason
4. Become Their Favourite
There’s always that one person who manages to weasel their way into the boss’s good books. Why shouldn’t that be you? After all, we are all here to make money and more of it, if it's available. Right?
Laugh at their terrible jokes, compliment their questionable fashion choices, and pretend their half-baked ideas are genius. If they like you, chances are they’ll make sure you’re rewarded. Might as well milk the situation.
5. Master the Art of Deflection
Clueless bosses often love throwing ridiculous tasks your way. The trick? Redirect, delegate, or delay. “Oh, that’s a great idea! Maybe [insert other colleague’s name] has some expertise in that area?” Or “I’d love to take this on, but I’m currently working on X project for you!”
Make it seem like you’re engaged while ensuring you do as little of their busywork as possible.
6. Use Their Ego Against Them
A connected boss often thinks they know everything, even when they don’t. Use this to your advantage by stroking their ego while subtly guiding them to do what actually needs to be done.
Let them believe they’re the strategic mastermind while you’re secretly the one keeping the team and department afloat.
7. Start a Side Hustle
If dealing with them is truly sucking the soul out of you, it might be time to invest your energy elsewhere. Use work hours wisely (aka when they’re not looking) to start plotting your escape plan.
Research side hustles, update your LinkedIn, or polish up your resume. If all else fails, at least your job misery is funding your next move.
8. Encourage Their Promotion (Far, Far Away)
If your connected boss is particularly useless, start hyping them up to higher-ups. “They have such a strong vision! Maybe they should be in a more strategic role?” Help push them up the ladder—and out of your way.
Who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll end up in a pointless executive role, leaving you in peace.
9. Just Leave
If all else fails, sometimes the best way to deal with a clueless, connected boss is to walk away. Life’s too short to spend every workday suppressing an eye roll. There are plenty of places where you don’t have to deal with family politics masquerading as leadership.
10. Thrive On The Chaos
Sometimes, the best way to deal with a clueless but connected boss is to lean into the madness. Accept that logic, competence, and normal workplace rules don’t apply here.
Instead of stressing over their poor decisions, treat the whole situation like a live-action sitcom. Start an office betting pool on their next blunder, keep a mental bingo card of their most ridiculous statements, and laugh at the absurdity of it all. If you can’t change it, you might as well enjoy the show.
Final Conclusion
Not all nepotism hires are completely useless, but if you’re dealing with one who is, the key is to work smarter, not harder. Whether you choose to play the game, survive the chaos, or find your exit strategy, just remember—you’re not alone.
Now, go forth and challenge the nepotism nightmare like the workplace warrior you are! 💪
