What Is Weaponized Incompetence?

TikTok’s latest buzzword “weaponized incompetence” has brought to light a toxic practice pertaining to the workplace. Weaponized incompetence can play out in friendship, parenting, and even romantic relationships. But in this article, we break down the meaning, and how to handle it, along with red flags to spot around the workplace.

Here’s what you need to know first.

If the equality of work can be managed there is no call for dispute.

What Is Weaponized Incompetence?

Weaponized Incompetence or sometimes called strategic incompetence typically means when someone intentionally claims an inability of performing a task just to escape doing it.

It is said that women have to deal with weaponized incompetence on a regular basis. From relationships to parenting and then the workplace, men avoid simple tasks which they feel they can’t handle or are beneath them.  For instance, doing the laundry or helping set up a New Years’ workers’ party.

Also, if you have ever shared a space with an incompetent co-worker or incompetent boss you probably have a similar experience.

Why It Happens

There are different causes as well as consequences of pretending to be incapable of delivering on a task, there are a few:

Shadow Management

This occurs when an expert employee comes on board with the manager to share his/her workload due to a shortage of staff. Usually, seen as a way to collaborate and push the company forward. But then the manager may start to neglect his/her duties which results in an extra workload for that employee.

Chances are, the employee in question is given little support, recognition, and reward for their hard work

Gender Stereotypes

Incompetence at work could often be built in at a young age. Gender stereotypes where young boys may have been taught not to carry out some “gender specific task” or were seen as unable to do them. In most cases, this can play out unconsciously while growing up, likewise when girls are expected to clean after the boys while growing up.

For this reason, when women lean to assisting more around the workplace some men may unintentionally limit their tasks and expect someone else to do them.

Show Of Authority

If you have worked with an incompetent boss who constantly leverages their position as an opportunity to avoid unrewarding tasks — then you understand the show of authority. They benefit from the privileges and job security as a result of their position, race, or background. While they ought to maintain the stability of the organization they may burden younger employees with tasks they claim they are unable to deliver.

Signs Of Weaponized Incompetence

Looking out for key red flags from an incompetent co-worker or a boss will help you create solutions and manage upshots

• Seeming Clueless: As this could be a genuine lack of knowledge, an incompetent co-worker will rather decide to pass on the job completely than try to seek knowledge on how to go about it.
• Constantly Performing badly: The feeling of “oh if I don’t do this right then I won’t be asked to do it again”. Comes to play whenever an employee keeps delivering poor results even at the easiest task. Especially when they are unable to state any reason for their incompetence at work.
• The Phrase “Better than”: When an employee always tries to convince you that you are better than them in getting the work done then they might be luring you to do their job. Though this can happen without the intention to burden you with their task, anyway it is a telltale sign when it happens constantly.

How To Deal With Weaponized Incompetence As An Employee

Sure, it’s not easy to handle a colleague or boss who is incompetent at work but try working out a way with these tips for a start:

• Communicate your exaggeration: Let your employee know exactly how you feel and how the burden of their work affects you. There might be a chance that they have no idea about it.
• Set Boundaries: State a clear difference between your work and theirs. If you are asked to do something that isn’t your job simply stand on the fact that it isn’t your responsibility.
• Power In Multiples: Calling out your boss or an incompetent co-worker to order might be tricky depending on their position or privilege. So taking matters to top authorities while standing together may help resolve the issue.

Takeaway

Employees or managers who tend to practice weaponized incompetence can greatly impact the workplace. If not properly managed it could affect both employees’ productivity and increase attrition because of their incompetence at work.

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