#competence

#competence

After years of pretending that no other qualities mattered in a politician besides one's race, sex, and sexuality, Democrats have discovered that competence and charisma, two traits without which candidates will fail, are far more important than whether you are black, gay, or non-binary. For the past few months, three of the Democratic Party's most beloved DEI stars have been taking arrows left and right from the very same party establishment that elevated their careers in the first place.

In a world where "professionalism" can mean anything from jeans-on-Fridays to polished Zoom backdrops, it's easy to feel adrift. Early in my career, I steered clear of PowerPoint entirely-back when slide decks ruled boardrooms-and I'm gratified that its limitations are now widely acknowledged. Likewise, the proliferation of online classrooms and virtual collaboration tools has laid bare how technology can foster passivity instead of true engagement.

There's a myth that to be a good leader, you need to be the smartest person in the room. This reluctance, often rooted in fear, prevents leaders from asking for help.