The Dilbert Principle

Biological Parallel

The Dilbert Principle: incompetent workers are promoted to management to minimize damage. Biology's version: injured or aging animals often become sentinels—perched on high ground watching for predators while fit individuals forage. The logic: those who can't forage productively can still contribute through monitoring. But unlike corporations, evolution enforces accountability—ineffective sentinels get eaten along with the group. Nature's management selection is brutal: competence or death. There's no corner office for the incompetent.