I see it as a spectrum, where to be an "expert" you need to both skilled in the field and a good communicator/politician. The problem is, in those areas where

I see it as a spectrum, where to be an "expert" you need to both skilled in the field and a good communicator/politician. The problem is, in those areas where there's not a tight feedback loop as mentioned in the article, it's possible to build your way to the top by just being somewhat skilful in the field and knowing how to appear confident, and how to (over)sell your work, and knowing when something is technically right but you should not say it because politics. And on your way to the top you're going to out-compete those that are very skilful on the field, but don't have such good communication abilities.