February 28, 2011

  • Peter Principle

    So I was having my usual afternoon chat with Mel the other day, and we got to the topic of this theory known as the 'Peter Principle'. Yes, we talk about pretty hardcore stuff, y'know? When we're not bitching about people or discussing the wonders of makeup and cosmetics, we ponder about the many complexities of life. True story.

    Anyways, Peter Principle was formulated by this guy (no, his name is NOT Peter) and it states that in every hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence. It holds that in a hierarchy, staff are promoted as long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position at which they are no longer competent. It’s not that the higher ranking position is more difficult per se, but that the candidate may not possess the required skills to fill that position. There they remain, unable to earn further promotions, reaching their career ceiling in an organization. Eventually work is accomplished by employees who have not yet reached the level of incompetence.

    Mel and I had an interesting debate about our stand with regards to the reality of the Peter Principle. My stand was that the Peter Principle is inevitable. While Mel believes that it is a choice.

    I feel that some people just do not possess the relevant skills to handle certain situations in the corporate world. Thus, it limits their reach when it comes to positions and promotions. For example, while I am comfortable giving out instructions and supervising, I don't think I am 'boss' material. I don't think I ever will be, because I tend to be a more of a 'heart over head' kinda person. I feel bad chiding others, even if they did do something wrong. But when I do get angry, I think I will not be rational or logical enough to make appropriate decisions.

    Mel, on the other hand, thinks that leadership skills are learnt, and not something you were born with. I do agree with that to a certain extent, but I do think that there's only so much someone can learn. There are some aspects of life that are purely emotional as well. Mel says that if I think I'm not 'boss' material, I am limiting my capacity to grow and improve myself. To think that I am emotionally and mentally inept to be a 'boss' is like insulting God.  It's like saying He created me imperfect.

    I argued that I don't look at it that way. I mean, if God is perfect, and He created me, then I must be perfect too. At least in His eyes, I know I am perfect. He isn't going to judge me for being the way I am, because at the end of the day, it doesn't stop me from loving Him.

    I don't really remember much about the rest of our conversation. But I do know that we were distracted when I found an online shop having a sale, and we quickly digressed and started fussing over makeup again. Lol.

    But recently, I got to thinking about the Peter Principle again. I think I'm having some sort of a quarter-life crisis at this point. I love my job, I love my industry, I love the people I work with, and I just am very comfortable being where I am right now. And that's good, but also bad. I feel like I need a little bit more challenge in my life - career-wise.

    I wanna go to makeup school. Which is something I've had on my mind for years now. But I never said anything to anyone because I was afraid people would think I was out of my mind. And so I was really happy for Mel when she made that decision to quit her current job and pursue makeup. I don't know if I would ever be that brave. But then again, life's too short to be stuck in doldrums of routines and patterns right?

    I'm not a very complicated person. I always say that I'm the most high-maintenance low-maintenance person in the world. I hope that makes sense. I guess what I'm tryin' to say is, while on the outside I look pretty high-maintenance, but I'm actually a very simple girl. I'm not very ambitious. I don't expect to hold a high-flying job and rake in millions a year. I don't need to live in a Condo (though that would be nice) and drive a branded car. My whole pursue of happiness in life is to love and be loved in return. And of course to be surrounded by the people I care about.

    I don't know what kind of person that makes me. Maybe that makes me seem somewhat naive and, what's the word.... shallow? I don't know. Maybe I am.