Commentary
Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, questions arise about the competence of those responsible for his security. The focus is on whether those tasked with protecting him demonstrated genuine competency in their roles.
While some individuals showed courage by putting themselves in harm’s way, concerns linger about the management and advance team. This raises broader questions about what constitutes institutional competence in the modern era, which has evolved significantly from the past.
In previous times, competence meant taking initiative, being creative, adapting to changing situations, making sound judgments under pressure, and being accountable for outcomes. In an ideal setting, such competence was valued and rewarded.
However, in today’s corporate and governmental cultures, the emphasis on compliance and conformity seems to overshadow the traditional values of initiative and creativity. Bureaucratic structures have become more rigid, favoring rule-following over innovation.
During stable periods with solid revenue and functioning systems, organizations tend to tighten regulations and focus on compliance. This trend has been ongoing for decades, leading to a culture that prioritizes adherence to rules over genuine progress.
Popular culture, like the comic strip “Dilbert,” has lampooned this corporate environment by highlighting the absurdities of bureaucratic systems and the focus on appearances rather than substance. The path to success often involves navigating office politics and avoiding risks.
Competence, once defined by initiative and problem-solving, has been redefined in various institutions. The narrative of success has shifted towards playing it safe and following the rules rather than taking risks and showing creativity.
Personal anecdotes can shed light on these changes. A story of a young worker realizing the importance of taking initiative and making oneself useful highlights the shift in expectations within organizations. The value of proactive behavior and problem-solving skills has diminished over time.
During that same week, he decided to increase my pay, and as a result, I continued working in that position for several more months, or even longer.
From that experience, I learned the importance of always striving to make a difference and taking the initiative to identify what needs to be done. Volition, perception, alertness, and action are the keys to success, and that is the valuable lesson I took away from that situation.
In today’s organizational culture, these lessons seem to be overlooked. Everyone is familiar with acronyms like HR, DEI, and ESG, and it feels like everything is governed by strict protocols, rules, and precedents. Success is often equated with conformity and never stepping outside the boundaries set by others. This mentality is reminiscent of the world depicted in “Dilbert.”
What I didn’t fully grasp at the time was how drastically the landscape of big business had changed after the turn of the millennium.
One major factor contributing to this shift was the new policies implemented by the Federal Reserve. As interest rates continued to decrease, eventually reaching zero and even entering negative territory, it resulted in a massive cash injection that primarily benefited large corporations. This influx of money provided these companies with a seemingly endless resource for payroll and expansion, ultimately altering the dynamics of the business world.
This environment fostered a culture where initiative was replaced by entitlement, daring decisions were swapped for compliance, and efficiency was overshadowed by laziness and inefficiency.
The shift in central bank policy gave rise to a new type of corporation – one that was heavily reliant on cash and focused on empire-building rather than genuine innovation. Employees and managers alike fell in line with this new norm.
This change in corporate culture permeated through all sectors, transforming private corporations and nonprofits alike into bureaucratic entities. This shift eroded traditional notions of competence, prioritizing obedience and adherence to rules above all else.
Instead of valuing productivity, the new culture emphasized following guidelines, attending endless Zoom meetings, dressing the part, flattering superiors, seeking permission for every decision, acquiring numerous credentials, and simply showing up.
This shift in standards has had significant implications, particularly in industries where lives are at stake, such as security agencies. It is crucial to revert back to the old standards of competence to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.
The events of recent years have highlighted the seriousness of the current situation and underscored the need for individuals and institutions to reevaluate their priorities. It is a wake-up call for all parties involved to reassess their values and strive for excellence.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Please rewrite this sentence.
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