Many of us know what it’s like to be disengaged and float through the work day without realizing it.  We become zombies, lose perspective, and impact others negatively without even realizing it.  But what if you’re the one being impacted? The result of running up against this human roadblock can be a severe dip in career satisfaction and overall fulfillment.  The boredom sets in, the dread of going to work and doing the same things everyday. As it becomes harder and harder to progress, learn, and grow in your current role and career path, major frustration can occur – your mood and personal relationships can suffer, and at times symptoms of depression can even occur.  You become no better than the manager you were being held back by in the first place.

There are ways to battle this dynamic until you find a more permanent solution to rebound from the drudgery caused by bad management.  It’s worth noting that every situation will warrant different, altered approaches based on the severity of disengagement, personalities, and even overall company or department culture.

Try to identify through conversation and observing, what responsibilities you can help take off their plate that are usually reserved for someone at their level.  This will require you to find a feel for how they “tick” so you can get the most productive interaction out of them.  A disengaged boss will be happy to off load work that for them might be routine but, for you, could open the door to gaining valuable, new experience that will serve you well in the long term.

Talk to people in your department and outside so that you can identify other opportunities to further your career, whether it be a big project you want to be part of or a chance at new responsibilities while still in your current role that might help you find a new path.  You never know where that will lead and the meantime there’s work, however temporary, to help keep you engaged and interested.

You’re likely not the only one frustrated by a disengaged, lazy, or otherwise ineffective manager.  They are likely experiencing the same things and have similar thoughts on the subject.  Getting to know your peers better professionally and socially could help in formulating ways to “get around” the roadblock as a team rather than being on an island.

This will help you identify, without ambiguity, what your manager’s expectations are from you – make sure it’s documented.  Use one on one meetings to review/revise the picture of your overall tasks and projects on a regular basis.  With doing this you may be able to exert greater control on the amount of drudge work you are doing in order to spend more time pursuing more meaningful assignments.  You also never know what new, more interesting work this will bring about given the manager may be more inclined to give you other assignments with having a clearer picture of what you are doing.

Exercise some patience with the situation by keeping focused on the tasks at hand or concentrating on more enjoyable aspects of your workplace be it perks provided or getting to know more people on a social level – BUT – You can’t do that forever.  Keep your mind off the situation and do what you can within it while at them same time paying close attention to your progress and tolerance for it before it becomes damaging.  Whether it be continuing your career at the same company in a different role, another company, or even consider a brand new career path altogether, just remember – There is always a way out!