Let's talk about weaponized incompetence

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WHEN ‘I CAN’T’ MEANS ‘I WON’T’

Let’s talk about weaponized incompetence at work

Fam,

We all know that one coworker who suddenly forgets how to do the simplest task right. Or the one that refuses to do something out of “fear” they would only make it worse somehow?

Well there is a term for this - weaponized incompetence in the workplace.

The term "weaponized incompetence" may not be new to couples (Redditors have been putting their SOs on blast for years). But it’s now made its way into the workplace as a way of describing coworkers who act clueless to avoid tasks, leaving others to pick up the slack.

Why people use weaponized incompetence at work

There are various reasons people lean on weaponized incompetence. Some may want to dodge tasks they find unappealing, others might have learned that playing helpless keeps expectations low. For some, it may even be a habit from past work environments where they weren’t held accountable.

But whatever the reason, this behavior doesn’t just affect those who are asked to pick up the slack—it affects the entire team’s dynamics and productivity.

Key differences between incompetence and weaponized incompetence

Real incompetence is marked by a willingness to learn and improve. People who genuinely struggle often seek support or resources to get better at their tasks. Weaponized incompetence, however, is different—it’s a tactic to avoid tasks without facing consequences.

The key difference? A lack of effort to improve or take accountability, even after repeated guidance.

The emotional toll

When you’re constantly covering for someone else, it doesn’t just take up your time—it takes a toll on your mental health. You’re doing double the work, often without acknowledgment or extra compensation. This can lead to stress, burnout, and resentment. And once resentment builds, it’s hard to get back to a healthy, collaborative team vibe.

For more on weaponized incompetence, how it shows up and what to do about it, read our most recent blog post.

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