Most observers agree that the new appointees owe their seats to professional competence and hard work, not political connections.

ECONOMIST: Bolivia

In assessing the value of a senior health-service manager or council chief, for example, the line between core competence and bonus-worthy brilliance might be hard to define.

ECONOMIST: Public-sector pay

Exceptional achievers always experience low levels of confidence and self-confidence, but they train hard and practice continually until they reach an acceptable level of competence.

FORBES: Why Youth Plus Unchecked Arrogance Is A Killer Career Combination