"Who's The Brains of This Association?"

Dear Dadie: This is somewhat embarrassing to describe, but worse to live with on a daily basis. In a nutshell, I don't think, but know, that I am smarter than my boss. It takes forever for her to "get" a new idea, and even longer to process it. My patience is wearing thin.

Dear Going Mad: The idea of getting rid of you is probably one new idea that your boss will process with dispatch. It could also be that you haven't a clue about how to put an idea on the table in a style that is compatible with your boss' style, or perhaps you are smarter and a threat to her. Under any scenario, it's not only a no win for you, but if you stay convinced of your Mensa status, it might make you untouchable. Chances are, you are a pragmatist, who likes to get to the bottom line quickly and get on with it. That doesn't make you smarter, just less patient with talk that's too conceptual or analytical. That works for you, but not for everyone. Here are a few tips you should consider

If your boss enjoys the thrill of the chase, and likes to talk through, around and over an issue, getting such a person to closure is very difficult, not because she is dumber than you, but because she loves the debate more than she loves making a decision. She will use phrases like, "let's look at it this way" or "on the other hand". Philosophical, intellectual argument turns her on. To get her to act, your approach has to be, "What can we do now"? But don't go for closure until your boss has had enough time to brainstorm and play out multiple options. Guess what? One of those options may even be an idea that you didn't hatch.

And if your boss is an analyst, she doesn't want you to be an idea hamster, generating a potential project every minute. She wants all the facts even before she gives you a bit of positive body language. The absence of that is very depressing, I know, I live with an analyst, so I am an expert on this one. If you are as clever as you think you are, you can influence your boss (or your spouse!) but you better have done your homework, have a tight case and data her to death. She is not slow. She is cautious, and possibly the perfect brake for you.

And if indeed you are smarter than your boss, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn how to live, work and succeed in that environment. It probably won't be the last situation of its kind for you. But remember, when you get to be the boss, it may become "all about an Eve" lying in wait for you!

Have a problem? Email Dadie Perlov, a CMG Principal, at dadie@virtualcmg.com

Association Trends - June 28th, 2002. Reprinted with the permission of Association Trends.

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Dadie Perlov, CAE