In any organization—whether a business, a military unit, or a tribe—success depends on the competence of its people. A competent person doesn’t just “try their best.” They get the job done, consistently and efficiently, without excuses or unnecessary drama.
Competence isn’t about intelligence alone. We’ve all met smart people who can’t manage their own lives. It’s not about charisma either—some people talk well but deliver nothing. True competence is a blend of knowledge, execution, and reliability.
So, how do we identify a competent Tribesman—someone who is not just present, but truly valuable?
Let’s break it down.
- They Are Highly Knowledgeable and Skilled – The Top 1% in Their Craft
A competent Tribesman is not just good at what he does—he’s among (if not) the best.
He doesn’t settle for average.
He knows that in any field, whether it’s business, medicine, combat, or leadership, the top 1% reap most of the rewards.
Think of it like hunting.
A novice with a spear might spend days chasing a gazelle, only to return empty-handed.
A seasoned warrior, on the other hand, knows exactly where to strike, wasting no energy.
That’s the difference between competence and mediocrity—one stumbles around hoping for results, while the other executes with precision.
A competent person is always learning, refining, and sharpening their edge.
They don’t just “do the job”—they understand it at a deeper level than most.
They see patterns others miss, solve problems faster, and create value effortlessly.
How do you spot such a person? Simple:
They can explain their craft in a way that even a child can understand.
They make difficult tasks look easy.
They are sought after—people naturally trust them to get things done.
They don’t rely on titles or certificates; their results speak for themselves.
Whether it’s a doctor diagnosing in seconds, a businessman spotting hidden opportunities,
or a fighter predicting his opponent’s next move, the Top 1% are leagues ahead.
- They Keep Time and Execute Tasks with Speed
A competent Tribesman treats time like a valuable currency—because it is.
He understands that lateness is a symptom of incompetence, and missed deadlines are a sign of weakness.
If he agrees to a meeting at 10:00 AM, he’s there at 9:55 AM, mentally prepared, not rushing in with last-minute excuses.
Think of time like a battlefield. A warrior who shows up late to an ambush doesn’t just inconvenience his team—he gets everyone killed.
The same applies to business and leadership. A man who drags his feet, delays decisions, or fails to meet deadlines is a liability.
How do you spot a time-disciplined Tribesman?
He doesn’t need reminders or follow-ups—if he commits, it’s done.
He plans ahead, anticipating obstacles before they cause delays.
He works with urgency, understanding that speed is often the difference between success and failure.
His team trusts him because he delivers on time, every time.
Whether it’s submitting a proposal, closing a deal, or preparing for battle, the competent Tribesman moves fast and decisively.
Time wasted is opportunity lost, and he never lets that happen.
What’s the next sign, Tribal Chief?
- They Execute Tasks in the Best Possible Way Given the Available Time and Resources
A competent Tribesman doesn’t just do the job—he does it in the best possible way given the circumstances.
He understands that resources are often limited, deadlines are tight, and conditions are rarely perfect.
But instead of complaining, he maximizes efficiency and delivers the best results possible.
Imagine two hunters sent to bring back food.
One complains that the best spears are broken and that the sun is too hot.
The other picks up any functional weapon, studies the prey, and brings back a kill.
The difference? One waits for perfect conditions, the other adapts and succeeds.
Competent men:
Optimize everything—they figure out the most effective way to get the best results.
Don’t cut corners, but also don’t waste time on perfectionism when speed matters.
Work smart and hard, balancing quality with efficiency.
Make do with what they have—if resources are limited, they innovate.
If given one hour and basic tools, they produce better work than most would with an entire day and unlimited resources.
They don’t just “try”—they deliver the best possible outcome every time.
- They Communicate Clearly, Quickly, and Effectively
A competent Tribesman doesn’t mumble, waffle, or leave room for confusion.
He understands that poor communication costs time, money, and sometimes even lives.
Whether he’s giving instructions, negotiating a deal, or reporting on progress, his words are clear, precise, and to the point.
Think of a battlefield scenario: A leader shouts, “Move to Position B!”
But instead of clarity, his men hear a vague, “Uh… maybe we should, um, kind of move…?”
Confusion follows, and the enemy wipes them out.
That’s what happens when communication is sloppy—it leads to mistakes, delays, and failure.
A competent communicator ensures:
Accuracy – The message is correct, factual, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
Speed – No unnecessary delays; the right people get the information when they need it.
Clarity – Simple, direct, and actionable—no fluff, no ambiguity.
Feedback Loops – He ensures the message is understood, not just heard.
Whether he’s running a business, leading a team, or managing a household,
his communication is as sharp as a well-honed spear—cutting through confusion and ensuring things get done exactly as intended.
- He Takes Feedback Positively and Strives for a 5-Star Rating
A competent Tribesman does not fear criticism—he welcomes it.
He understands that feedback is not an attack but a tool for improvement.
While weak men get defensive and emotional, he listens, processes, and adjusts until his work reaches excellence.
Imagine a blacksmith forging a spear. If the blade is dull, does he cry and complain? No.
He sharpens it, hammers out the imperfections, and keeps refining until it’s razor-sharp.
That’s how a competent man treats feedback—as a sharpening process, not an insult.
You’ll know him because:
He asks for feedback instead of waiting for it to be forced on him.
He doesn’t argue—he fixes the problem and moves forward.
He focuses on results, not ego—his goal is mastery, not just looking good.
Over time, his work becomes undeniably excellent—earning respect, trust, and the equivalent of a 5-star rating in any field he touches.
Mediocre men resist feedback and stay average.
A competent Tribesman absorbs, improves, and dominates.
What’s the next sign, Tribal Chief?
- He Takes Ownership—No Excuses, Only Results
A competent Tribesman never blames circumstances, other people, or bad luck.
When he takes on a task, he owns it completely—whether it succeeds or fails.
If things go wrong, he doesn’t waste time making excuses; he fixes the problem and moves forward.
Picture two warriors given the job of guarding the village gate.
One lets an enemy slip through and says, “It wasn’t my fault; I was tired, and no one warned me.”
The other says, “I should have been more alert. It won’t happen again.”
The difference? One shifts blame, the other takes responsibility and improves.
A competent man is known for:
Fixing problems instead of explaining why they happened.
Owning both success and failure—never hiding behind excuses.
Being trusted with serious responsibilities because people know he will deliver.
Raising standards—his presence alone makes teams, businesses, and missions stronger.
Weak men avoid responsibility.
A competent Tribesman embraces it and thrives.
- He Stays Calm Under Pressure
A competent Tribesman doesn’t panic when things go wrong—he adapts, strategizes, and executes.
Chaos separates the weak from the strong.
When others freeze, complain, or make reckless decisions, he remains collected and in control.
Imagine a hunting party cornered by a lion. A weak man screams, drops his spear, and runs blindly into danger.
A competent man assesses the situation, signals his team, and takes the best course of action.
He understands that in tough moments, emotion is a liability—clarity is power.
You’ll recognize him because:
He thinks first, acts second—never rushing blindly.
He controls his tone, body language, and decisions under stress.
He finds solutions instead of feeding the panic.
He inspires confidence in those around him—people look to him for direction.
When pressure rises, he becomes sharper, not weaker. That’s what makes him stand out.
- He Learns Relentlessly
A competent Tribesman never assumes he knows everything.
He understands that the world is constantly changing, and those who stop learning become irrelevant.
He seeks knowledge like a warrior sharpening his blade—daily and without fail.
Think of a hunter who refuses to learn new techniques.
He may have been great once, but if he ignores new hunting strategies, he’ll soon find himself starving while others feast.
A competent man avoids this by constantly improving.
Signs of a relentless learner:
He reads, studies, and asks the right questions.
He respects mentors and experienced people instead of assuming he’s above them.
He experiments, fails, and adapts quickly.
He stays ahead of trends, making sure his skills never become outdated.
A competent Tribesman knows that the moment he stops learning, he starts declining.
- He Is Disciplined—He Does What Needs to Be Done, Even When He Doesn’t Feel Like It
Competence is not about motivation; it’s about discipline.
A competent man doesn’t wait to “feel like” working—he gets up and executes, no matter his mood.
Picture a warrior training every morning, rain or shine.
His lazy peers call him obsessed, but when battle comes, he is the one who survives.
That’s the power of discipline—it separates winners from spectators.
How to spot a disciplined man:
He sticks to routines and commitments even when tired.
He is consistent—his results don’t depend on moods or external motivation.
He masters self-control, knowing that pleasure comes after hard work.
He can delay gratification, focusing on long-term success over short-term comfort.
Discipline is what keeps him competent year after year, while others fade away.
- He Commands Respect Without Begging for It
A competent Tribesman never demands respect—he earns it through actions.
He carries himself with a presence that naturally commands attention.
People listen when he speaks, not because he is loud, but because his words carry weight.
Think of a lion walking through the savanna.
It doesn’t roar for attention—its mere presence commands respect.
Weak men shout, argue, and beg to be noticed.
A competent man lets his results speak for him.
How to recognize him:
He never over-explains himself or seeks unnecessary validation.
He speaks with certainty, never sounding unsure.
He follows through—his reputation builds respect over time.
He is fair but not afraid to be firm—he doesn’t tolerate disrespect.
People may not always like him, but they always respect him.
Competence is The Mark of a True Tribesman
A competent Tribesman is not an accident—he is forged through discipline, skill, and unwavering responsibility.
He does not chase approval, complain about obstacles, or make excuses.
Instead, he masters his craft, controls his time, and executes with precision.
When pressure mounts, he remains calm and decisive. When given feedback, he absorbs, improves, and dominates.
He commands respect, not through noise, but through undeniable results.
His presence strengthens teams, sharpens minds, and raises standards.
In every tribe, in every battlefield—whether in business, leadership, or life—there are those who watch and those who take charge.
The competent man does not wait for opportunities; he creates them.
He does not dream of success; he earns it.
And when history is written, it does not remember the mediocre. It remembers the competent.
