The Peter Principle

      I have made reference to the Peter Principle in previous blogs.  Most of us recognize the Peter Principle as the theory that individuals are promoted to a level of incompetence. 

     The Peter Principle: Why Things Go Wrong by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hill was first published in 1969.  The book shows that people are promoted to a level of incompetence, which explains most if not all management problems and poor productivity.  The book makes a very good case for this theory. 

     I was familiar with the concept, but had never read the entire book.  Marla found a first edition, which she gave me.  I just finished reading the book.  It is a great read with many examples from both the public and private sectors, including education.  The individual’s names used in the examples are quite humorous.  The book may make you laugh, but it is also so true that it may make you cry when you apply it to you own career. 

     The book gave a guide for determining if an individual has been promoted to a level of incompetence.

“Is the person accomplishing any useful work?  If the answer is:        

a)   Yes - he has not reached his level of incompetence...

b)   No - he has reached his level of incompetence …     

c)   DON’T KNOW - You have reached your level of incompetence.  Examine yourself for symptoms at once!”

     One of the examples he gives to show an individual has reached their level of incompetence is the use of the “General Purpose Speech.”  This is used extensively in both the private and public sector.  A “General Purpose Speech” sounds great and says nothing.  It can be modified slightly for specific audiences.  Campaign slogans do this.  “Hope and Change” is one of the greatest.  It sounds good, but says nothing.  Individuals can interpret it to mean whatever they want.

     The Peter Principle can be a major problem in any individual’s career.  What happens when your boss or your boss’s boss has reached their level of incompetence?  Your chances of promotion have now been blocked.  If you are not content with your present position, you must look at a horizontal job move, a new job, or going into business for yourself. 

     Going into business for yourself may or may not be right for you, but should be explored.  Helping people with exploring self-employment options is one of the reasons I wrote Business Fits: How to find the right business for you!

     The Peter Principle can also block your career in other ways.  I once had an employment headhunter tell me employers seldom hired a new employee that was more qualified in their particular area of expertise than themselves.  I also had a bank president say he would like to hire me as a marketing vice president, but he knew I would make changes that would upset too many present staff.  Most of the people I would have upset probably had reached their level of incompetence and it is easier to not rock the boat.  Self-employment may be the best or only option left for highly qualified individuals.

     I would recommend reading The Peter Principle.  The book may explain why your career has stalled, and that may be a good thing.  Look at you options including self-employment, but don’t quit your job until you are ready to make a move.  Business Fits is a must read to help you with this process.  http://Businessfits.com