Delusions of Adequacy

An interesting theory has emerged in recent years. It’s called the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and it is based on the idea that incompetence denies us the metacognitive ability to realize our mistakes. Put more succinctly, you can be so dumb that you believe you are smart.

It’s like the sad people who try out at the beginning of American Idol each season. Many of them simply don’t have enough musical talent to comprehend that they have no talent.

In project management, this can be very insidious. It can manifest itself in a PM or team member who believes they have strong communication abilities or a great ability to negotiate. Think about Michael Scott. What does he not believe he can do better than everyone else?

I am of the opinion that we all have some of this. It’s what we call “blind spots,” and the only way to address these is with the help of other people. 360 reviews can help. Mentoring relationships can as well. But the most important step is to be willing to honestly face your own shortcomings. Your team will be happier, and in the long run, so will you.