Tyranny of Competence
Technically competent managers/leaders often become hindrances to the process of deep change. This observation has rung true as I read “Building the Bridge as You Walk On It - A Guide for Leading Change” by Robert Quinn. This deep and searching book is not a simple book to enact but it discusses change leadership in a manner that few others come close to.
Aside from the numerous concepts and stories described in this book, Quinn’s observation of the tyranny of competence is a profound one. More specifically he writes “In top management teams, it is common in times of transformation to have strong resisters. Most are capable of turning around. Some are not. Usually these are competent people who are playing a powerful role. The common temptation is to make excuses for such powerful senior people and to move ahead. Indeed, one of the most frequent problems that I observe is the unwillingness of top executives to confront the ‘tyranny of competence’ and remove those who are clearly unwilling to grow into the change process. . . Such people seldom speak up and express their opposition. Instead, they consciously or unconsciously sabotage the change process.”
On more than one occasion I can recall being in situations where there are very competent people leading teams - be they ministry or operations or accounting or marketing. Yet technical competence in any of these disciplines is of itself not enough to really lead the team or organization and as a result the team may be competent but not united, passionate and powerful. But the powers-that-be are unwilling to make a change in management because that limiting leader is a highly capable accountant or marketing expert. So competence reigns but deep and powerful change is stymied - and it all looks good as long as the morale or turnover or long-term growth is not really measured!
A great book by the way - very challenging at the very personal level. I will continue to pass on some insights and thinking as I reflectively work my way through it.
For more information see Robert Quinn’s website or customer reviews on Amazon.
