Competence convinces through words, deeds, and the feasibility of what is said.
Competence doesn’t require big words. When words and actions match, people entrust themselves to a leader.
What competence means for leaders
People admire competent people – whether craftsmen, world-class athletes, or successful entrepreneurs.
Acting with foresight: responsible leaders see things others don’t yet see, are prepared for what’s coming, and make sure they come out of the situation as winners.
What competence looks like in practice
Winning before the battle begins
“The victorious warrior wins first and then goes to war,” Sun Tzu wrote in the 6th century BC. The Art of War demands knowing both the enemy and yourself – and teaches that the wisest victory is the one won without fighting.
Still a Grand Slam champion at 35
Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and spent 319 weeks as world No. 1. In 2017, at 35, she won the Australian Open – the oldest Grand Slam champion – because she kept evolving her game for two decades.
An economist, statistics and 20 wins in a row
On a tight budget, Billy Beane bets on economist Peter Brand, who rates players by statistics instead of looks or gut feeling. Scouts and coaches criticize the approach – until the Oakland Athletics win 20 games in a row.
What the animation shows
Shot after shot lands in the bull’s-eye. Competence needs no big words.
