The Peter Principle

Ever heard of it? It's a theory that suggests that there's an absolute ceiling on anyone's ability to achieve, to succeed. It's often summarised as "Employees tend to rise to their level of incompetence."

The term was first coined in a light-hearted book of the same name by Dr Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull, which has sold 6M copies since its initial publication in 1969. However, some have treated this theory very seriously indeed...they believe it.

I don't. Yes, I know that we see a whole bunch of examples of this sort of thing in society, however there simply isn't a 'golden rule' that such things will occur.

I do, however, see many examples of people who simply give up trying because 'the rules' tell them to give up trying, to quit. They don't go beyond their usual limits because they think they can't. And if they don't try - they're proved right.

Contemporary society evaluates people on the tangible things in this world: good looks, youth, a winning personality, your exam qualifications, the extent of your bank balance. However, these things will fail you; each will fade; you will find these will no longer useful to you.

However, when it comes to the value of people, God has a different attitude. He looks within. He sees you as you truly are. And sees your potential.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

(pictured: the 'pointy-haired' boss from Scott Adams' 'Dilbert' comic strip. Read more here)