4 surprising perks of playing dumb in the office
Being able to fall back on the “I don’t know” response isn’t the only advantage of playing dumb. Whilst acting like an idiot isn’t going to have you winning any awards, there are some benefits to being the office dunce.
1. Nobody asks anything of you
Why would they? They think you’re incapable of any task outside of your job. This excuses you from cross-department projects, extra work and any important responsibilities. You’d only do it wrong anyway. Nobody asks about your opinion either, assuming that you have none. This puts you in a great position as if you never speak your mind, you’ll never offend your colleagues.
2. No one cares what you do
If you were a threat, you’d have colleagues constantly snooping over your shoulder and potentially trying to sabotage your work. Competitive people can get nasty, play dumb and you’ll steer clear of bitter workers and paranoid managers. This way, you can simply do your job and go home.
3. You’re endearing
Most idiots are likable simply because they don’t offend, get bad attention, or create tension. The only time an office dunce is disliked is if other people have to pick up the slack too much or if the idiot gets them into trouble. But as you’re just pretending, that shouldn’t be a problem.
4. More time
You won’t be given any decisions to make as nobody thinks you are capable of such complicated matters. Your colleagues will never ask you for help either. Whilst colleagues are running round taking orders, working overtime and breaking their backs to accommodate other people’s needs, you’re sat comfortably doing what you get paid to do.
So who’s the real idiot here?
