A Debate about When Competence Becomes a Liability

Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: The Debate · Jun 13, 2026 · 26m

This research explores the damaging phenomenon where toxic work environments weaponize an employee’s strengths against them, effectively reframing professional competence as a liability. The research examines how dysfunctional leadership uses gaslighting and scapegoating to suppress high performers who threaten established hierarchies through critical thinking or high standards. Such cultures inflict severe psychological harm on individuals while simultaneously eroding organizational innovation, safety, and financial performance. To combat this erosion, the research advocates for…