"The capability curse occurs when someone's proven ability to solve problems leads others to depend on them for nearly every challenge. With each success, expectations rise. What once impressed becomes the standard, and when something falls short, the disappointment is sharper because the bar became so high."
"Ironically, the people who can do the most often end up carrying the heaviest burden. The more capable you are, the more complex problems land on your desk."
"If I had refused the assignment, it might have been viewed as a lack of initiative. But once I said yes, the expectation became perfection."
The capability curse describes how individuals who demonstrate problem-solving abilities become increasingly relied upon, leading to heightened expectations. Initially, being the go-to person can accelerate career opportunities and build trust. However, as capabilities are proven, the burden grows heavier, and failures become more pronounced. This phenomenon is evident in various organizational contexts, where capable individuals are often assigned complex tasks, leading to a cycle of rising expectations and potential disappointment when outcomes do not meet the elevated standards.
Read at Fast Company
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