How do I deal with a boss who takes credit for my work?

My boss is incompetent. I do all his work for him and he takes the credit. If I report him, he might find a reason to have me fired. What should I do?

Dear Joan,
It is Nelson Mandela who said that ‘If people didn’t care who gets the credit; they would accomplish a great deal in their life time”. Now that you know your boss is an incompetent fella who wants to take all the accolades that come through your hard work, but you remember he/she is your boss! You didn’t appoint him/her to be your boss and you most certainly won’t be the one to tell him/her to try their talents elsewhere!
Much as it hurts for you to slog and the person who benefits from a smart employee (yourself) is a selfish one, it is at the same time gratifying to witness your initiatives taking root and being recognised in your organisation. It is also useful to remember that even if you think that your efforts are not getting the recognition you deserve, do not be surprised if some silent observers are watching and it may be simply a matter of time when the more important people high up the ranks begin to realise your boss is a freeloader. That without you, he/she can’t be the architect of the many initiatives he has been praised for! That it is someone whose shine is always unfairly eclipsed and unrecognised that is the real originator of these initiatives!
It may comfort you to know that your boss’ exposure as a freeloader may be around the corner when he/she is put on the spot by one of his bosses to randomly explain how he manages to come up with such wonderful work, or simply make a presentation on his claimed accomplishment and he starts sweating buckets!
I would advise you become more energised every time you see your work being recognised. When the time for the boss’ exposure comes along, your shine will make you smile all the way to the bank.
Moses Ssesanga
Head Human Resource
NMG - Uganda
[email protected]