Situation · Work

“Someone less competent got promoted because they're confident”

What could be going on

Confidence-competence gap in leader selection: Fits exactly; check whether confidence was the main thing the decision rewarded.

Dunning-Kruger effect: Fits if they don't see their own lack of skill.

Halo effect: Fits if one strong impression made them seem good at everything.

Dominance and prestige: Fits if they rose through dominance rather than earned respect.

Peter principle: Fits if they were good in the old role but not the new one.

Envy: Check whether envy is colouring your view of their competence.

In the meetings before the decision, what did that person do that the bosses noticed?
Where have I held back from showing confidence, and what was I afraid of?