Beyond Competence: How capacity shapes professional access and influence
The author recalls being invited on a business trip early in their career by their boss, not because they were the most experienced or technically brilliant, but "because of how I carried myself." The author's manners, awareness, communication, and understanding of how to show up were the reasons. The boss trusted the author to represent her and the organization well.
The author shared an observation in Abuja during a teaching session on how to get into the right rooms, that "many professionals are strong in substance but underdeveloped in how they translate that substance in high-stakes environments." The author states that influence requires more than expertise and that "higher levels do not just respond to potential. They respond to preparedness." The author is passionate about etiquette, protocol, and professional presence, not as surface-level polish, but as strategic tools for access and influence.
The author believes that the difference between being overlooked and being invited in is the capacity to speak the language of the room.
Quick Summary
A Ghanaian professional reflects on an early career experience involving a business trip. The experience highlighted the importance of certain soft skills - but are these skills more important than competence?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Business & Economy
MOMO loan defaulters can't escape - MTN Ghana
MTN Ghana issues a stern warning to MOMO loan defaulters, revealing new strategies to ensure repayment and prevent evasion.
7h ago•2 min read
Ghana's trade surplus triples to GHS48bn in 2025
Ghana's trade landscape underwent notable changes last year, with new data shedding light on export drivers and regional trade dynamics.
8h ago•3 min read
Clos Jangli Ghana to launch on August 22, bringing Luxembourg's premium wines to the African market
Discover how a new venture is poised to transform Ghana's luxury wine industry and expand across Africa.
19h ago•2 min read
Flood-damaged, burnt and over-aged vehicles to be blocked under new GSA regime
Ghana is set to implement a new standard for vehicle imports, raising questions about the future of the used car market and road safety.
20h ago•4 min read
