If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room. I thought about this saying last week while sitting in a meeting. After 30 minutes of listening to others, I came to the conclusion that I didn’t really need to be there. What they were discussing, I already knew. So while I was contributing, I wasn’t really taking anything away.
I first heard someone say this saying years ago and it has always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. In certain gatherings, I will start thinking, “Am I the smartest person in this room? If so, what can I do to change rooms? Now, I admit this judgement about the other people in the room is arbitrary. But over time, my ability to assess whether I should be meeting with a group of individuals has become more finely honed. The comments and questions others ask and the ideas they share are generally the indicators I need to determine whether my presence is a good use of time.
Now, I don’t say this out of arrogance, but simply out of listening to comments and identifying patterns. Don’t get me wrong. There are times when I attend gatherings because I think I can give back by sharing some wisdom or offering moral support. I benefited from those who did that for me. Serving on association and non-profit boards over the years are examples of this.
That said, I am always seeking to grow. I’d rather sit in a meeting where what is being discussed is stretching me or even over my head. By the way, this has nothing to do with age or position. If someone half my age has accomplished something I desire to learn or achieve, I’ll be the first to ask for help and insight. I am never hesitant to ask questions, even if they might be thought of as a bit elementary. I do, however, try to come up speed on the basics as much as possible before meeting with individuals who are further on the journey, whatever journey that is.
I find many times that it is the nuances and off-hand comments during these conversations that can be the most insightful. If I don’t understand the reference, I’ll ask for clarification. I like to be stretched by my peers. But I also like to stretch them. That’s what tends to bring us all together; the fact that we enjoy each other’s company and challenge each other along the way.
I have had the opportunity to come in contact with a number of highly successful people over the years. In my mind, these people are generally the smartest people in any room they enter. I suspect they are asking themselves the same question – “Am I the smartest person in the room.” As I converse with them, one of the things that I generally notice is how they conduct themselves. Pretty much all are a great judge of their surroundings. If they feel like the gathering is not a good use of their time, they will politely excuse themselves.
How can you foster these kinds of relationships? How can you accomplish the task of surrounding yourself by people smarter than you, however you define smart? Begin by being a keen observer of the smartest person in any room. After a while, you’ll begin to see patterns. If you emulate those behaviors, you too will be able to leverage your connection to the smartest people in any environment.
So, what do you think of these insights? Will they help? Are they doable? Let me know what you think in the comments below.