Shadow competences from the source of a viable attitude of consciousness

Abstract

The notion of competence is a keyword for the development of a successful life plan. Besides professional competence companies expect social competences from their employees, decision-making, responsibility, as well as communication skills. Schools, education and business demand a high level of competences. These form a value system characterized by e.g., perfectionism, reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, speed, efficiency, control, and security. As only few people seem to be able to meet these criteria, most people fail. Therefore, in order to cope with the defeat in a utopian value system, not only coping strategies are required but also skills which enable us to live a fulfilled, content, and happy life. Such skills are presented as so-called shadow competences. They are based on a human value system that can be found by a transformation of externally motivated values. Tolerance of uncertainty, friendliness to errors, and relativity of requirements are three of 12 competences presented here. These are especially essential in a culture in which human rights are not comprehensively realized. Further, it is demonstrated, how shadow competences can be developed through insight and a spiritual tenor.