My answer is trying to get out of their influence (change of job/area), or ascending over them.
Many people put minimal effort because they chose the wrong career, they don't have love for the profession, or plainly have bigger interests in life besides work, which they see only as a means to an actually worthy goal.
That being said, unless you're far from the average, there will be people smarter and dumber than you. They might be a genius reading office politics, making carpentry, fixing a motorcycle, math, etc., but they're not as smart as you at your job, and they probably don't desire to.
The best you can do is not depend on them if you can, and if you can't, cover your back, have everything in writing, don't let their mistakes tarnish your professional reputation. Don't forget to be kind, you're doing what's best for you, not destroying them.
Many people put minimal effort because they chose the wrong career, they don't have love for the profession, or plainly have bigger interests in life besides work, which they see only as a means to an actually worthy goal.
That being said, unless you're far from the average, there will be people smarter and dumber than you. They might be a genius reading office politics, making carpentry, fixing a motorcycle, math, etc., but they're not as smart as you at your job, and they probably don't desire to.
The best you can do is not depend on them if you can, and if you can't, cover your back, have everything in writing, don't let their mistakes tarnish your professional reputation. Don't forget to be kind, you're doing what's best for you, not destroying them.