Who you know, not what you know.

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You've all heard the cliche -- It's not what you know, it's who you know. Certainly that applies to politics, but what about other occupations? What impact does that thinking have on product/service quality ? Could it eventually seriously impact a company or nation?

Of course it can seriously impact a company or nation. Recently, there's been a call for more capable politicians to step up where I live. Our current Minister of Education is a notoriously stupid woman without any qualification beyond being a nurse. She was given her position because she knew people in a coalition party. There is no other way imaginable, as she's completely incompetent, and has been for years. Our premier studied history for eight years, then 'accidentally' fell up into a large business, then 'accidentally' became leader of a large political party, then 'accidentally' became premier and has now 'accidentally' ruined our economy even for Eurozone standards.

It's a natural method for human beings to grant their friends, acquaintances and family members the best positions. Unfortunately, convenience and social skills often do take precedence over actual skills.

I think it is seriously affecting our nations right now. Britains politicians and top bankers are all from the old boys network.

It is also true in other professions. It is all about knowing the right people, and having them like you. What you know doesn't count for much.