ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dilbert principle

The Dilbert Principle is a phrase coined by American cartoonist Scott Adams. It's a funny way of saying that because of the way companies are organized, the people who are least productive end up in the most powerful positions. This means that people who are more productive and do the most work often don't get rewarded for their efforts, while those who don't put in very much effort can get ahead. So, the Dilbert Principle is a way of joking that in companies, the least talented people often get promoted.