Exasperated with one of his top producing partners who demeaned a director in front of team members, the Managing Partner declared, “he always has to be the smartest guy in the room.”
Being smart, accomplished and successful in the professional service firm can be a burden. In some, it produces an impatience with those who are not quite as quick or capable. You will here them say things like, “I just can’t work with ‘B’ players.”
Here are a few tips for those who have to be the smartest guy in the room:
- Everything does not revolve around you. Sorry, but it’s true. When you have this kind of self-focus you alienate yourself. Play smart and stop it.
- You’re not an accomplice to ignorance (necessarily). I know, your staff reflects on you, but don’t take their mistakes so personal.
- Give a compliment to a colleague or staff member on their win or success daily. An authentic leader shows happiness for others’ accomplishments in genuine and sincere expressions.
If you have to be the smartest guy in the room, be smart about it. Lift others.