Ineffective Supervisor what to do

[scottc]

I am wrestling with a difficult question right now.  should I or should I not give a co worker the advise to let their supervisor fail? the supervisor in question is being pushed out of their regular job due to their inability to perform Physically and into the buisness side of the agency. he has no buisness in the job he was placed in. and has needed help the entire time he has been there. he is taking the detail in the position again but this time his EGO is getting the best of him. the admin person who walked him through the what and hows of the job is his subordinate and recently he has started to micromanage and direct her. letting this supervisor fail is best for the district but he is a nice guy and it would be a shame to see that happen however it is his choices that made him unable to perform in his Actual job. when is it time to take off the life preserver and see if he can swim? 

[mynewunit]

There are a lot of variables here. There are the lots of things in the air.  What happens if the supervisor fails?

The question is should you give your coworker advice. I don't know if you can tell your coworker to "MAKE the supervisor fail".  

Tell your coworker that his supervisor needs to know the areas where he is failing. Maybe tell him the areas he can improve.

Bigger question. How did he become a supervisor? I am going to guess that the upper management thinks he has some ability, attitude or other factor that they need.  I will guess there are a lot of people who are willing to take shots at the "company".  It would not be crazy for him to be the only person who supports the leadership, even if he is a yes man.  Bands often say that more important than the ability to play is that you won't kill them at a rest area a 2 AM. If he is the only one who they are willing to hang out with, then the problem is not him, but the rest of you. Or was it just dictated by seat time or something else.  Learn how your company "thinks", what they "value" and what they invest in.  Almost think of it as their "Love language".

So, if the admin who showed him the ropes is now getting micro managed, How do you advise her?  Tell her to speak up for herself. Help her understand her value to the company.  Help her communicate with her supervisor and other upper level management.  Help her with the art and the language of the company. 

[scottc]

how did he become the Supervisor? are you ready for this? the position was open and he failed his baseline physical fitness test for his position so he was given a detail in his current position. I work for the government this happens. there isn't any reason he should be in the current position.
my coworker is to "maternal" to speak up and because of this she gets walked all over. She is still trying to get a permanent job with the agency

[mynewunit]

I am familiar with this. I know of a teacher who was made a principal because they were to incompetent to teach children.

Okay.  So your coworker is submitting to the supervisor.  You will have to go other level if you want her to take control.  
For that she needs more personal strength, self-worth, and business acumen. So, get her weight training, spartan racing, or reading business books.  

The next question is why do you want this to happen.  It appears that you want this supervisor to be exposed and replaced.  I would say you can replace your boss by polishing resume and you get a new job.  I understand points, pension, benefits. Maybe there is another department, or division.  That organization has a different meritocracy. My old boss used to say it was playing football with a golf score card.  

Play the game or change yourself.  But what do I know I am building my own rogue group at my office and once they get smart they leave.