Getting Unstuck: The Peter Principle Explained

The Peter Principle is at the core of why there are so many incompetent managers, and why we get stuck in life. By knowing this surprising commonality, you can get out of a rut quickly and use the 3 step plan outlined in this video to thrive in any environment.

Let's talk about what is the Peter's Principle, how to overcome it in your life, and thrive in your environment by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your natural skill.

⚡️More Framework & Mental Models⚡️

⏱ TIME STAMPS ⏱
0:00 Articulate your thoughts with 4 questions
0:48 What is the Peter Principle
03:22 Step 1 to getting unstuck
05:20 Step 2 to getting unstuck
06:14 Step 3 to getting unstuck
10:29 How to manage up if you're completely stuck

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[bill_jennings]

9:34 this is such a true statement. A leader/manager doesn’t make himself good, the people under him do. I’m a manager and have been for many years. I’ve consistently hired people smarter than I am for just this reason. Many of these people have gone on to become doctors, lawyers and small business owners. And I couldn’t be more proud of them.

[tyrekm]

6 years ago, when I was appointed to my first leadership role, I was terrible. Sometimes I cringe thinking about 'the dark ages'. I wasn't effectively trained for the role. Yeah, I did 'leadership' courses, but they focused heavily on theory instead of practice.

I see it around me every day and I feel empathy for other managers. If I didn't reach out to others to get mentorship and coaching, I would probably still be making the same mistakes year over year.

If you have a horrible boss, give them some grace. Be candid but discreet because they are in most cases not fully self-aware to admit they have a problem.

[jtmusic]

All your videos are great. I’m glad I happened across your channel last week - I’ve been binge watching but also taking notes and making sense of the information you are sharing. Thank you so much.

[creativecat]

I never understood why there are just so many terrible managers everywhere. Now it makes so much sense! I need to make sure I don't end up being one of them. Always love your explanations that go beyond the surface level stuff 💪

[iMak]

This is one of the best advice I've ever heard for workers looking to grow in their careers. So glad to have subscribed to this hidden gem! Hope your channel thrives!

[patmathe]

Vicky thank you for all the things you have shared with us on thinking in framework. They are helpful and practical

[VickyZhaoBEEAMP]

Anyone else had micro managers?! All examples are created based on real life experience haha... share yours with me!
Resources referenced:

[ZayedDabaja]

Thank you for such an informative video! Really helped a lot, and an eye opener.

[stan-jv]

I just left a situation where the supervisor was moved into a position he never even tried to get good at, and after six years learned nothing about the position and even admitted he doesn't like to tell people what to do. On top of that, he never wanted to look into possible changes to save the company money. Being a chit chat artist was enough to put him in charge and he constantly hires people who don't want to work and his boss doesn't understand the job well enough to see the problem. (Everyone from different departments see the issue, but it might be too late for the company in this economy.)

[medicussapiens]

To manage up – so important but only rarely taught. Great presentation! Thanks much.

[JasonMcGarva]

You can only set the terms if you have something to offer that they want. That's a potent truth to remember.

[HimanshuSharma-oyss]

Another excellent video. I'm using your content to upgrade and salvage my work ethic beliefs, because I'm working in a not-so -helpful environment.

[SirThomasR]

Interesting thoughts! A lot of my jobs success relies on networking and politics, if I need to make something happen in my department I need often times support from other leaders in their own departments to buy in and help me achieve my goals. Do I identify who the movers and shakers are in those other departments and ask to meet with them one on one and basically try to get out of them what their goals, what they want to accomplish, while trying to find their areas of incompetence? How do I do that in a natural networking way?

[MattWongIR]

hmmmm this is very interesting... I have seen exactly what you are describing MANY times but didn't realize there was a name for it! Love your delivery as well very clear and engaging 😃

[rafalziolkowski]

I highly recommend Clifton Strength’s finder to identify major skills. It takes into account strong sides and weak spots for each of 5 major skills. According to Clifton coaches there are no bad skills for the position.

[ved.shankar]

Hey thanks for making this Vicky! Got a ton of value from this :)

[ori-yn]

Just discovered your channel. Great content! 谢谢你

[duaneramirez]

The Peter Principal is in full effect in IT. Putting Developers, Architects, or (heaven forbid) Engineers in management positions creates issues. This creates bureaucracy, internal politics, and employee turnover (remember, people leave due to bad managers).

[charnepowell]

Thank you so much! Such good advice with actionable points.

[VCLegos]

6:44 scared me lol. Great video btw, I liked the part about managing up.