‘The Peter Principle’ is a theory of management that says people in large corporations eventually get promoted beyond their skill set. Do your job well enough, and you’ll keep being promoted until you go one step too far and start struggling.

‘The Dilbert Principle’ is a theory that only the incompetent are promoted, intentionally removing them from important work by making them managers.

Either way, the risk to your fragile ego is clear: have you climbed the ladder to success based on your expertise, or are you faking it … without getting any closer to making it?

Through the power of the internet, I’m able to reach through and assess your situation in detail. (Wait for it.) Here’s the good news – you got this. It’s obvious to me even from here that you know what you’re doing.

But if you ever want an objective tool to help you assess expertise – in yourself, or in your team – then blow up a balloon and enjoy this week’s #BlackboardFridays episode here.

 

Originally authored by Jacob Aldridge.