To wonder how some people become directors when they seem so incompetent?

[MyAmusedOpalCrab]

I’ve come across senior leaders - directors, execs, managers - who seem completely out of their depth. They lack basic decision-making skills, struggle with communication, and rely on others to clean up their mess. Yet somehow, they’ve climbed the ladder while more competent people remain stuck below them.

Is it just a case of “who you know” rather than “what you know?” Or do people just fake confidence well enough to get ahead?

Confidence, entitlement and sociopathy go a long way!

Post turtles

You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he's elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb ass put him up there to begin with

They know how to play the game, to take the credit but pass the blame. They may be useless at their work but are highly skilled at climbing the ladder.

I think it’s often a combination of overconfidence, lack of capable people wanting more responsibility, and the people making those hiring decisions perhaps not really understanding the intricacies of people’s jobs (to realise they’re not that good at them).

I've seen plenty of people manage a job at one level perfectly well, and then when they're promoted suddenly they flounder. It's the Peter principle, and I don't know how you screen for it. The only way to see if someone can handle the pressure of the next step is to let them try it.