Here are 3 things to keep in mind during the times when all forms of common sense seem to have gone up in smoke and craziness rules the hallways:

#1 Results = Rewards: There will be times it seems that form and process are the most important things in your company and consequently to your boss. They aren't.

Over thirty years, I don't recall a single person getting a monster bonus at year's end or awesome promotion for following the company's process better than the rest of the team. Over the long run, great rewards go to those that shows great results. If you want that promotion or raise, this is how you get it!

#2 Face time works better than technology: So your boss is incompetent; & doesn't have a clue about the company, your job or even his own. Do you really have to waste more your time meeting with him or her? Yes, absolutely. And it's not a waste.

It's actually smart to spend one-on-one time with your superior. Don't rely on email or voicemail. Your boss probably receives too many electronic messages already. And while it seems like efficient time management to communicate through email or voicemail, it does little good for your career if (s)he doesn't know much about you beyond the role you perform. Go out of your way to talk to the boss about your responsibilities and accomplishments in person. Leave it to everyone else to fill up the boss' in-boxes. In addition, you my learn why your boss is the boss and gain a greater appreciation for the guidance an tutelage provided!

#3: A good listener is hard to find: Recognize that all bosses expect to be heard and then have their directions followed. So - Listen, listen, listen. And remember that you have two ears and one mouth for a good reason.

Don't be one of those misguided types who debates everything they're instructed to do. After the first 1 or 2 times, it doesn't show anyone how smart you are. It just becomes tiresome.

If these tips are tough to accept, keep in mind that someone else in your company is ready and willing to give the boss what they want. Better it's you.