We want to be judged by our intentions, even when our actions are problematic. Let’s discuss the question of incompetence or bad intentions.
You really did that?
Have you ever been totally dumfounded by what someone did or said?
For example, they totally ignored the process a team was using. Instead, they went off on their own without getting approval or consulting anyone.
As a result, the team felt boxed in by them saying “Here’s an offer for you to consider.” Even worse, they unilaterally made a commitment that was at odds with what a number of team members believe.
As a leader, you struggle to respond, asking: “Is this incompetence or bad intentions?”
But my intentions were good!
You already know what their excuse will be: “My intentions were good.”
Ok, but their actions were totally unacceptable! How do you move forward from here?
Well, is this a first offense or a pattern? Have you heard all of these excuses before? Is there acceptance of responsibility or is there push-back and defensiveness?
Fact is, no one is judged by their intentions. Instead, we all must answer for our actions.
Now, back to the original question. Is this incompetence or bad intentions? If their intentions are not malicious, then they really are incompetent!
Moreover, if they’re really that incompetent, then they really are not employable without some dramatic changes.
There are many destructive, godless leaders who lack discernment. Proverbs 28.2 paraphrase proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept
In Proverbs 28.2 we read about the destructive impact of an incompetent employee or leader (“princes”). Unfortunately, there are many of these types on the payroll!
If they don’t change there is a threat to the organization (“…the state thereof shall be prolonged”).
But, what’s the solution to the incompetence problem? The individual in question, according to this verse, must grow professionally to the point that they are knowledgeable and discerning (“…a person of understanding and knowledge…”).
Ok, now how about bad intentions? Well, keep reading.
A few verses later, in Proverbs 28.16, we read about a prince, hence a leader, who lacks experiential insight. In short, he/she lacks the needed experience to draw from when facing challenges.
In addition, from that same verse, the leader is an oppressor and is greedy.
Thus, they compound their inexperience by trying to enrich themselves. Why? Perhaps to gain some wealth before they’re fired or removed from power.
Ultimately, without the needed personal and professional growth, the situation with their leadership remains dire.
Today, as in the past, godless leaders attract lawless followers who claim to be doing the work of God in excusing the leader’s crimes. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
How did an incompetent person get into a position of responsibility? Maybe they’re slick enough to have talked their way out of problems before. Or, they move around frequently enough that their incompetence hasn’t had time to catch up with them.
Intentions are much less easy to measure than are actions. Remember, that behavior is what should be addressed – – when it happens, as well as during annual evaluations. Thus, don’t sweep problems under the rug by ignoring destructive behavior.
A leader who is in over his/her head has a serious deficiency. An organization can offer professional development or create a plan for performance improvement. But, those actions are, at best, long-term cures with no guarantee of a positive outcome.
Finally, be aware that we can have reconciliation and perhaps forgiveness. However, that’s no guarantee of a healthy and sustainable relationship over the long-run. How so? Because the past offenses – – regardless of incompetence or bad intentions – – may have seriously damaged trust. As a result of that broken trust, there may be no way to continue the relationship. Thus, the leader and the organization may choose to part ways.
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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