How should I respond to something someone else does that makes me look bad? For example, my boss is a lousy manager. When I ask her for help with something her answers make no sense. I'm sure that if I had a better boss I would perform better. Should I speak to the next manager up and complain? What would Jesus say about this? - Jeremy

Jeremy -

You're probably not going to like this response.  However, you need to remember that our real work in this world is to be an ambassador for Christ so that we can win souls for Him.  

That being said, all people should behave  remembering that Christ is the ultimate judge.  Because of his obedience on the cross, He has the "full right to pass definitive judgment on the works and hearts of men."  (CCC679)  All people must remember that they do their work not for a human boss, but ultimately for God.  

I know that sounds like I didn't answer your question. So, let me pick it apart some more:   All people must take responsibility for their part in what happens in their lives. The easiest way to shirk responsibility is to blame another, then they don't have to do anything about the problem.  

This wanting to get out of trouble by blaming someone else can be seen from the very beginning of humanity. Remember in Genesis 3 after Adam and Eve ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil; Adam blamed Eve for eating it.  Eve blamed the serpent.  The serpent was Satan who should not have been in the garden in the first place as Adam's job was to guard/care for the garden.  (Gen 2:15)   Four thousand plus years later we humans still play that blame game.  It is the bane of our fallen-ness.  

St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Colossians (Col 3:17) that whatever we "do, in word or in deed," we are to "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Col 3:17a)  That is a great reminder that our real job in this life - ie: our real responsibility - is to make God be seen in all that we do.   If we have a lousy boss, we need to continue to do our work the best we can in spite of that lousiness.  

Getting specific then, how can you find a solution to your work problems when the boss's answer doesn't seem like it's helpful?  Perhaps you need to be creative.  Is there someone else at the job who knows the answer?  Why not ask that person?  You might have to swallow some pride, and you might have to ask someone you don't particularly like for help, but others will see you overcoming the "incompetence" of the boss and you will be seen as a part of the solution to what's not right in the workplace rather as a hindrance to getting the job done.  

Remember, attitudes can be caught. Make yours one that others will benefit from catching.  You may well be the impetus which creates a whole new way of being in your workplace.  It is not your boss's responsibility to make you look good. What is your responsibility as an employee where you work?  Is it to snitch on your boss?  If you look realistically at the answer you will probably admit that it is to do your job to the best of your abilities.  The way you overcome your boss's imperfections will demonstrate the strength of your character.  ...

... And, your attitude towards your boss and your attitude towards becoming a better employee is one way you can live out the duty of all Christians: that of drawing others to Christ.   In the meantime, suffering any wrongs you feel have been committed against you can be offered up as prayer and sacrifice towards your Christian calling in the fundamental work of saving souls.  

Hope this helped.