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The Uncanny Power of Incompetent Men
Inspired by the legendary ineptitude of the U.K.’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, you too can use your incompetence to succeed beyond your wildest imaginings
When Boris Johnson made his way to Buckingham Palace yesterday to inform the queen of England that he would form a government, the world’s media did not mince words in its assessment of the new prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“Tinpot Trump,” said the Germans. Denmark called him “a clown.” And one French newspaper described him as, simply, “an incompetent jester.”
Johnson’s incompetence is not news to Britain. The former London mayor known universally as “Boris” has done almost nothing well. There has been no speech unmarred by his ill-preparedness, no photo opportunity that has not led to ridicule, no diplomatic encounter free of gaffes.
And yet, as Boris walked through the doors of №10 Downing St., there was little doubt that he has nailed it. In fact, Boris’ incompetence is arguably key to his unstoppable rise. With each ridiculous performance (remember that time he fell into a river during a photo op?), the people only wanted more.
The question of whether Boris’ incompetence is real or an elaborate act is a legitimate subject of debate among pundits. But one thing is clear: In an era of global buffoonery, incompetence is the quality world leaders should cultivate.
And why not? The incompetent have always been represented among our leaders — our teachers, our bosses, our politicians. The reasons turn out to be remarkably simple. Read on to learn how you can use your incompetence to succeed beyond your wildest imaginings. Welcome to the era of post-competence.
Be a man
This one is easier for some than for others. But if you are to really excel in your incompetence, be male. As Hillary Clinton can attest, it is not unusual to reward an incompetent man over a competent woman.
This year, women run just 6.6% of the Fortune 500 companies. And that pitiful percentage is an all-time high. In his book Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic…
