– Intelligence Conundrum

In the workplace, we see it happen over and over–people climbing the ladder of success and climbing it fast. They’re driven, hard working, focused and smart. They’re from the best schools and have high IQ’s.  They’ve got everything needed to climb to the top…right?  Not quite.  What is it they lack?  What keeps these high potentials from gaining that top spot?  The very same thing that got them this far—their smarts! 

Many highly intelligent people excel at the technical aspects of their jobs, but fail at their lack of vision, political acumen, and social skills…all required qualities for leadership.  In today’s business world the phrase, what got you here, won’t necessarily get you there, holds fast.

Sue Bethanis, Founder/CEO of Mariposa Leadership, Inc. believes, “Intelligence alone isn’t enough for leaders to rely on.  Today’s leaders must also be emotionally intelligent and able to get out of their own way.” Bethanis, author of Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage, shares three areas where smarts can get in the way.

1. Inquiry and Advocacy – Wise and effective leaders advocate only when necessary, while maintaining a constant state of inquiry.  Be careful not to spend too much time talking, and not enough time listening.
2. Ego and Arrogance – Even with the best of intentions, “sharing your knowledge” can come across as harsh, or worse, as condescending.  Fight the know-it-all thinking that leads you to believing you really do know-it-all.  It’s ok not to always have the answer!
3. The Big Picture - Effective leaders know that vision, strategy and big-picture thinking are required in today’s business climate.  Many highly intelligent people can’t see the forest through the trees.  It’s important to be both a vertical and horizontal thinker.

Don’t let your greatest strength get in your way.  If you’ve set your sights on the top spot, listen and learn.  Then lift your head up to see what’s out there. And don’t forget to check your ego at the door.  Being smart is important, but using your smarts may be more important to you on your road to success.