Molla Nasiruddin took his donkey to the roof, but it refused to come down. Despite his efforts, the stubborn donkey resisted, kicking relentlessly. Worried the straw roof might collapse, Molla tried pushing the donkey, only to find himself kicked off the roof with a sore back. The roof eventually collapsed with an injured donkey looking least remorseful. But at least it taught Molla a valuable lesson: placing someone unworthy in a high position harms everything and everyone concerned.

Some recent events involving Donald Trump reminded me of one my former bosses, the dangers of elevating unfit individuals to power. Donald Trump, the leader of a mighty nation, built his reputation on bullying and manipulation rather than genuine leadership, with his sycophants cheering him on. Similarly, many of us found ourselves being led by my former boss, who was utterly incompetent and lacked knowledge of the industry, MNC culture, and basic skills to run a large corporation. His poor decisions cost him his own job while taking the job of others. The short-lived leader left the organisation in chaos and declining performance. But what is noteworthy here is that such leaders can also turn capable individuals into blind followers. Their legacies prove that unqualified leaders inevitably leave destruction in their wake.

Donald Trump's antics sparked financial chaos—capital markets dipped, Bitcoin crashed, and allies lost trust. Similarly, my former boss, backed by a group of converted donkeys, turned his company into a circus, leaving employees and stakeholders in shambles. Both leaders mastered the art of humiliation and firing, putting their egos above everyone else. Their legacies? This is a stark reminder that putting unqualified people in power destroys institutions, erodes trust, and ruins lives. While Trump's fate hangs in the balance, history suggests it will likely mirror the fate of my former boss—proof that unworthy leaders are walking disasters. Comedy or tragedy? You decide!

In the first place, we may ask how such idiots are nominated for leadership positions. The Dunning-Kruger effect explains that people who know little often overestimate their skills or political influence, appearing bold and confident—even if they are not truly skilled. In politics and business, a loud and flashy personality can triumph over groups that prefer simple rather than dramatic messages. This is enhanced by groupthink and confirmation bias, where people choose leaders who echo their own ideas, even if they lack true expertise. In short, these so-called "donkeys" may be selected because their overconfidence and strong showmanship resonate with voters or corporate insiders, proving that sometimes, style beats substance in the selection process.

Apart from Donald Trump, there are other real-life examples where leaders with flashy yet questionable styles caused trouble. In politics, take Boris Johnson as an example. His humorous and charismatic style won him many supporters, but critics argue that his loose approach during Brexit led to confusion and complex negotiations, harming the UK's global standing.

Dealing with leaders who rely on style over substance starts with strengthening our checks on power through independent media, judicial oversight, and strong regulatory bodies. It is imperative to support ethical leaders by voting and investing in those with proven track records. Educate yourself and others with critical thinking to cut through misinformation and shallow rhetoric. On a personal level, get involved in community discussions, peaceful protests, or shareholder activism to demand clear policies and responsible actions. This collective effort helps build an environment where only leaders with genuine skills and integrity are rewarded, limiting the influence of overconfident, ineffective leadership.

So, how do we deal with idiots in power? Simple: stop putting donkeys on the roof! Strengthen checks, demand accountability, and vote for competence over chaos to prevent getting kicked off the roof by overconfident fools. Remember -- style fades, but it leaves behind a mess for us to clear. Choose wisely!

The author is the president of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh and founder of BuildCon Consultancies Ltd