Personal Branding Podcast

Capable vs. Competent: Understanding the Difference What does it mean to be capable yet not competent? At what point can someone declare themselves competent, and how do we distinguish between capability and competence in both personal and professional spheres? Let’s break this down. Capability: The Starting Point Capability refers to your ability to perform a task or take action, even if it’s not at an expert level. It’s a foundation—a skillset or willingness to do something, even if the result isn’t perfect. For example, imagine you’re at home with a minor plumbing issue. You may be capable of applying a temporary fix, such as using glue or tape to stop a leak. This solution might hold for a while but isn’t sustainable or reliable in the long term. For a permanent fix, you’ll need a professional plumber who is competent in their craft. Similarly, in professional settings, capability can serve as a stopgap. Suppose the receptionist is momentarily unavailable, and you’re at the desk. You might be capabl