Would you think your country’s administration competent?

Political competence is the ability to understand and effectively participate in political processes, involving skills to influence decisions, navigate power dynamics, and achieve goals, whether as a citizen (voting, advocacy) or a leader (building coalitions, mobilizing others).

It combines knowledge of issues, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the capacity to act on one's viewpoint, distinguishing between knowing what to do and skillfully executing it.

Key Aspects of Political Competence:
Understanding the Terrain: Mapping political landscapes, identifying key players, understanding power dynamics, and knowing what you can and cannot control.

Influence & Mobilization: Gaining support, building coalitions, and motivating others toward a common objective, often requiring credibility and trust.

Action & Execution: Knowing when to act, formulating goals, and skillfully implementing actions to make things happen.

Citizen Competence: Includes political knowledge, efficacy (belief in one's ability to influence), interest, and engagement in activities like voting or lobbying.

Leadership Competence: Applies to leaders for navigating organizational politics, managing self, and influencing stakeholders for broader organizational success.

In Practice:
For Citizens: It means staying informed, understanding issues, developing personal viewpoints, and participating effectively in democratic processes.

For Leaders/Professionals: It involves navigating workplace politics, understanding group dynamics, influencing decisions, and driving initiatives forward with personal integrity and strategic skill.

Essentially, it's the skill set to achieve political objectives, whether for personal growth, organizational goals, or public good, by understanding the "how" and "who" of influencing decisions.