Establishing a Hierarchy of Competence
Organizing by Capability
Summary
The Mature King ensures that the most capable people are in positions where they can contribute most effectively, creating a hierarchy based on competence rather than politics.
"The best man for the job is often a woman."
"Competence, like truth, beauty, and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder."
Establishing a Hierarchy of Competence
The Mature King organizes his realm based on competence. He puts the most capable people where their skills can serve best. He creates structures where expertise is recognized, developed, and deployed wisely. This is not about rigid hierarchy but about matching people's capabilities with the realm's needs.
The Tyrant creates hierarchies based on loyalty, flattery, or personal preference rather than competence. He promotes those who serve his ego and punishes those who threaten him. The Victim allows incompetence to flourish because he's afraid to make hard decisions about people's roles. The Mature King maintains a hierarchy of competency that serves the realm.
Establishing a hierarchy of competence requires:
Clear assessment: The King recognizes real competence. He looks beyond credentials and charisma to see capability and results.
Clear standards: The King sets clear criteria for different roles and levels. People know what's expected and how they'll be evaluated.
Development pathways: The King creates ways for people to grow in competence and advance. He invests in training and mentorship.
Honest feedback: The King gives people clear information about their performance and what they need to improve.
Hard decisions: The King moves people out of roles they can't handle, even when it's uncomfortable. He puts the realm's needs ahead of personal relationships.
Recognition of expertise: The King defers to those with greater expertise in their domains. He doesn't let his position override their specialized knowledge.
This hierarchy is fluid. People move up as they develop competence. They move down if their skills no longer match their role. The focus is on serving the realm well, not on protecting egos or maintaining status.
The King who establishes a hierarchy of competence creates a realm where excellence is rewarded, mediocrity is challenged, and everyone is encouraged to develop their capabilities to the fullest.