Would the real disruptors please stand up?
Gary Vaynerchuk used to use this word frequently. It’s tossed around boardrooms, keynotes, and resumes. But, let’s face it—do we truly live in a world where merit governs who sits at the table? The answer is glaring when we look closely: meritocracy has become more of a mythical ideal than an operational reality. What does this have to do with building a brand? Simply put, DISRUPTION.
The truth is, many people are in their positions not because they are the most capable or have proven their worth time and again but because those in power would instead uphold a facade of harmony rather than disrupt it by doing what’s best for the growth and evolution of their organizations they steward. I should note that I’m a Saints fan.
Decisions are made for peace, not for impact. We tiptoe, appease, and nod, even when we know deep down that the right choice to propel the team or company forward is being sidelined. And that makes me wonder: in a world that increasingly claims to value ‘excellence,’ have we replaced true merit with comfort zones?
The question isn’t whether meritocracy ever existed—it did, and sometimes it still does. But increasingly, we’re facing a world where the comfort of the present is prioritized over future outcomes.
What are we afraid of? Discomfort? Change? The difficult conversations?
It’s time to stop treating meritocracy as an overused buzzword and start making it a practice that serves the present and the future we all strive to build.
