Word for the Day: Wednesday, April 24, 2013

The Word for Today (Wednesday) was Competence.  Does the fact that I skipped days make me incompetent, to provide the service of this BLOG?  (Of course I don't think so, because of a mild dose of "Boobie Hatch Stress Syndrome").  But back to the topic at hand:  The Peter Principle, authored by Lawrence J. Peter and Raymon Hull suggested that people get promoted, over and over, until they become mildly incompetent (meaning they might get "mediocre" performance reviews, and a lower percentage of raises, than if they work smarter).  However, according to that previous book reference, they are not likely to be fired for incompetency.  (That's left for the "ultra incompetent", or criminal employees).

The only problem?  This doesn't seem to be correct any more.  Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert Comic Strip, as well as a short-lived Dilbert TV series, and several books, including The Dilbert Principle.  Ponder the differences between these two books, and ask older people how it was in the "good old days".  (Believe me, they'll know, and typically (if asked sincerely, as well as nicely), will be glad to tell you about it).