It appears that we are already in the 2016 Presidential election campaign mode. What role does the candidates’ competence and likeability play in this election dynamic? Time will tell. But, in my view, they are key.

Likeability is a treasure and unquestionable competence is essential. In an earlier column, I addressed the “likeability” factor. In this piece, I will deal primarily with the concept of competence.

When one is in need of a surgeon to perform a surgical procedure, the competency of the surgeon is profoundly essential. And a similar degree of importance is present, when one is in need of a dentist, a pharmacist, or other health care providers. And, when one is a passenger in an aircraft, the competency of the pilot and crew is upper most in one’s mind. Further, when one is engaging the services of an electrician, a plumber, or a carpenter … their competency is likewise highly significant. And from a military standpoint, the competency of the military leadership is highly essential when facing a critically strategic military operation. We then ask, what about the competency of those in public service, including those representing us at the local, state, and federal level?

Truly, competency is of primary concern in all walks of life. Would anyone ever intentionally select an incompetent person to be their surgeon, pilot, electrician, local mayor, and a member of Congress or President of the United States? To be sure, competency is of prime significance and highly essential in almost every aspect life’s situations.

As I see it, the meaning of competence is that one is able to do a job thoroughly, meeting the specific requirements of the situation. A competent person is one who recognizes the varied aspects of the specific role, including the hazards and uncertainties associated with a particular task. A competent person has the ability to mitigate those hazards and fulfill the requirements of the task. Choosing a competent individual should not be chosen lightly. For example, to put it simply, if work is to be performed on scaffolding, the competent person must be knowledgeable about the demands of the job, including the scaffolding hazards, and be able to meet the requirements of the task with skill and expert efficiency.

Competence possesses the appropriate skills and expert knowledge that allows one to fulfill the requirements of the task. It includes the ability to apply prior experience in whatever domain to new situations with good effect. One’s competency usually increases over time as one acquires more information and ability through inquiry, observation, and participation. When one feels competent, one can greet new situations with calmness, authority, and confidence. And, as an added corollary, one’s competency may very well inspire others to seek competency in their own endeavors.

Dr. Robert L. Heichberger is professor emeritus at the State University of New York at Fredonia and distinguished professor at Capella University. He is an award winning author. His newest book “The Land of Nature” has recently been released and is available at Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com. All past columns can be viewed on www.fromourperspective.net/ Send comments to: Rheich@aol.com