Theory of Minimum Incompetence!

The theory of minimum incompetence states that, "An employee grows in an organisation till such time that he reaches a point where he is found incompetent."

During the tenure of an employee in an organization, he would initially fulfill all his duties to an extent that would be classified as proficient. He would be found fit to take a promotion and would in all likelihood perform well there as well. Eventually, there would come his way, a designation which would involve duties and responsibilities, objectives and targets, to which he would just about be able to cater to. With passage of time, he would by default given another promotion, not because he deserves it, but because of other reasons such as vacancy and absence of alternatives, company policy, etc. Then, he would reach a post where he is unable to cater to his own O&T's. This is when he is said to have reached a state of minimum incompetence and there would be little or no growth in his career beyond this point on! Hence proved!

There rises a question in corollary to this theory, "If this theory be true, how would a company be able to perform with all its employees incompetent for their designations?". The answer is that not all employees are at a state "minimum incompetence". It is the ones that are yet to reach that level that contribute effectively to the company.


You and I are also would eventually reach a point of "minimum incompetence". Hard to digest is it not? Statements that bear maximum truth are always hard to digest!