CONCLUSION

Why is becoming SuperCompetent so important? I can think of many reasons, starting with the natural desire so many of us possess to improve ourselves. But here's another: We're living during some pretty tough economic times. We've seen how some of the self-congratulatory leadership mantras of the last decade have resulted in unstable companies and an all-too-flimsy worship of glitz, glamour, and questionable management practices. Many of us suspected (even if we didn't say so) that sooner or later, we'd come to a place where the excitement would end and everyone would again get down to brass tacks—or else. Well, this is the place. Article after article lately has told us what we already knew: This is a time to get back to basics and equip ourselves with the abilities and attributes we'll need to live and work more responsibly and well.

One great reason to build up our competence is admittedly self-serving: We want to keep our jobs when those around us may be losing theirs. In recessionary times, with a faltering economy, with layoffs rampant and unemployment soaring, will you be the person left standing when all those around you fall? Master the six keys of the SuperCompetent person, and you'll have given yourself an insurance policy. And becoming SuperCompetent will serve you when the economy is strong again, too. In fact, learning the six keys will allow you to compete successfully in just about anything you try.

Being SuperCompetent, though, isn't just about surviving ...

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