Competent Quote by Edward Conard
“What is competent? Who is it that can adjudicate what is competent or not competent? If the guys that are running the most important banks in our country aren't competent enough, well then, who is competent enough?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Financial Industry Forum, Edward Conard, 2015
Competence is judged by those in authority, but those judges may themselves lack competence, creating a circular problem.
In simple terms: Who decides competence? Those in power, who may be incompetent.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek independent standards.
Themes
competence
authority
accountability
systems
leadership
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- banking regulation
- corporate hiring
- policy making
- public oversight
Key Concepts
governance
risk management
ethical standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure competent oversight?
- What alternative evaluation methods exist?
A Different Perspective
Relying on self‑appointed judges can perpetuate mediocrity.
