Comments on: the appearance of competence

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:55:42 +0000

The appearance of confidence is definitely an asset. We all know somebody who could still do quite well in life with only a high school education, because they present themselves well and know how to talk to other people. It's a great skill that is quite useful, and seems much harder to acquire than the skills/abilities you obtain through formal education.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:55:42 +0000

By: Catastrophic Breakdown « DarcKnyt

Catastrophic Breakdown « DarcKnyt — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:48:42 +0000

[...] the appearance of competence [...]

By: Accept Bad Credit | Financial Web Transactions: How To Deal With An Online Customer?

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:59:08 +0000

[...] Blap: Steve’s discussion on the appearance of competence struck a chord with me. How much more do we value appearance over actual [...]

By: Weekly Personal Finance Links- Mardi Gras Edition | Think Your Way to Wealth

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:07:39 +0000

[...] Steve from Brip Blap discusses the Appearance of Competence [...]

By: TStrump

TStrump — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:17:02 +0000

First impressions seem to be everything.
People are more concerned with how people look on a superficial level, rather than probing deeper.
Human nature, I guess.

By: Financial Web Transactions: How To Deal With An Online Customer?

Financial Web Transactions: How To Deal With An Online Customer? — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:59:27 +0000

[...] Blap: Steve’s discussion on the appearance of competence struck a chord with me. How much more do we value appearance over actual [...]

By: the weakonomist

the weakonomist — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:46:15 +0000

It isn't about what you do 80% of the time, it's about giving 100% of your all during the 20% of the time your company really needs you.

Some people are 9-5ers and are OK with leaving at the end of the day. Then there are the people that have the knowledge and skill to get the whole team through a tight spot, and they'll do whatever it takes.

In my experience these are the people that are recognized and promoted. It has literally been my experience.

By: Enrique

Enrique — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:55:58 +0000

Where does the “influence” or “connections” factors are in this appearance of competence concept? Many times people get promoted due to the fact that they know or have a good relation ship with people that are able to give them a promotion or higher compensation. I do believe that a combination of competence, appearance and connections is the ideal mix.

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:46:59 +0000

I don't think it's as clear cut as that, Steve. In many of the financial institutions, I think there was probably some level of competence, but there was also arrogance, perhaps brought about by the high pay packages. I am a Master of the Universe (with apologies to Tom Wolfe), ergo, I can do no wrong. I suspect that history will conclude that it was not the lack of competence that brought them down, but rather the arrogance.

In recent history, we had a President who was brilliant, highly competent, and a decent person. Yet Jimmy Carter's presidency is largely considered a failure. Conversely, no one would call Ronald Reagan technically competent or brilliant, but he is considered by historians to be one of the better Presidents (and perhaps great, depending on who you talk to).

I wish I could figure out the question of success. I think you are on the right track, but you're not there yet. Keep pursuing this train of thought.