GET SMART! Try the bottom of the class on for size

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Krissy Jackson, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.

There’s a time and a place for everything. The same can be true when it comes to being smart. This is not about being dumb, but rather about being aware that there are many times in life when it pays to not be the smartest one in the group.

If you’re the one who is always leading the way, if you’re always called upon to solve everyone’s problems and to provide wise counsel, then you’re in the wrong group. I’m not saying you can’t be a part of this group, but this shouldn’t be a template for every formal or informal group or situation with which you’re involved.

Why? You’re not being nurtured. You’re not benefiting from mentorship – from learning from others. You’re not growing as fast as you could be. I’m not saying you should quit all of your groups or implying that you should step down from leadership roles. I’m saying that it’s important to be part of a group where you’re not, as they say, “the smartest gal or guy in the room.”

The fastest way to success – however you define it – is to surround yourself with the types of people you most want to be like. I’m not saying you want to take over their lives, copycat their styles, or steal anything that is theirs. Instead, you want to learn the ropes – you want great advice, you want to learn more so you can be more and do more. Well, the only way you’re going to get that is by finding someone who knows all of this. You need to find someone smarter or with more experience than you.

If you seek out others who have more knowledge and expertise, you’ll grow, flourish, and move faster and easier towards accomplishing your goals. Listen, ask questions, take in their wisdom, and most importantly, take action.

Consider joining a new group where you aren’t going to be the one with all the answers – where you won’t be the expert. Be a participant, and surround yourself with great minds from which you can learn new things. Associate with people who are currently enjoying success in a way you enjoy – whether it’s by being a great community leader, someone who gives back to others, a great communicator, or even a financial success. The less you know, the more you’ll learn and the faster you’ll grow.

Learn how to REALLY be Smart, go to the bottom of the class!