The Power of Competence: Daniel Priestley on Real-World Feedback and Performance

In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Priestley discusses the fundamental role of competence in driving success within both individuals and organizations. He posits that competence is the underlying reason for why certain actions or strategies succeed while others falter, stemming directly from an individual’s ‘contact with reality’.

As Daniel Priestley notes:

“The answer is competence. Whenever you wonder why something works or doesn’t, it’s because of the competence running in the background.”

Priestley elaborates on how this competence is cultivated. He argues that it is born from direct interaction with the real world, where individuals experience tangible outcomes—both positive and negative—from their decisions and actions. This feedback loop, he suggests, is crucial for developing effective decision-making, resourcefulness, and efficiency.

The Erosion of Competence Through Isolation

A significant part of Priestley’s argument centers on the detrimental effects of operating in an environment devoid of consequences. He warns that shielding individuals from the repercussions of poor performance, often with well-intentioned motives, can paradoxically lead to greater future failures.

According to Daniel Priestley:

“If someone lives inside a bubble where there is no consequence for poor performance competence is eroded.”

This perspective challenges the notion that protective measures always serve an individual’s best interest. Priestley suggests that allowing people to face the natural outcomes of their actions, whether victory or defeat, ultimately fosters a higher rate of success over time. This principle applies broadly, from personal development to team dynamics within a business context.

Competence as a Catalyst for Growth

Priestley highlights that competence is not merely about avoiding mistakes, but about actively building a foundation for powerful outcomes. He links competence directly to several key business capabilities.

In Daniel Priestley’s view:

“Competence leads to powerful decision making, enrolling conversations, resourcefulness and efficiency.”

This suggests that fostering an environment where competence can flourish—one that embraces real-world feedback and accountability—is essential for any leader or organization aiming for sustained growth and high performance. The core message is that genuine learning and development are intrinsically tied to the experience of consequence, both positive and negative, derived from direct engagement with reality.