Why Being the Smartest Person in the Room Isn’t Always the Goal
- Martin Foster
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 1
I was catching up with George, my ex-neighbour, and he was having one of those proud dad moments. “Brightest kid in her class!” he beamed. “I hope it stays that way when she moves up next year.”
“Why’s that?” I asked. George looked confused, so I tried again. “Why does it matter if she’s the smartest in the room?”
George shrugged. “Doesn’t everyone want their kid to be the smartest?”
But here’s the thing—I wasn’t. And I loved being around friends who were smarter than me because it pushed me to grow. The truth is, being surrounded by people smarter than you can be a superpower. It challenges you to step up, learn, and adapt.
The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Smarter People
Research even backs this up. Studies show that your intelligence is influenced by the company you keep—especially your childhood best friend! When kids surround themselves with peers who excel, it often rubs off on them, boosting their motivation and IQ in the long run.
So, when George expressed concern about his daughter potentially not being the smartest when she moves up a grade, I said, “Don’t sweat it. Being surrounded by intelligent people might be the best thing for her.”
George laughed and shared a story about his childhood best friend, Wesley—who he used to help with homework, despite Wesley being older. Turns out, Wesley went on to become a successful Marine captain and brewery owner. And maybe, just maybe, George’s influence helped him along the way.
Lessons for the Corporate World: It’s Not About Always Being the Best
In the corporate world, many people like George focus on climbing the career ladder and being the smartest person in the room. It feels safe and gives them a sense of control. But this mindset can limit growth. True success comes when you’re open to learning from others and surrounding yourself with people who bring something different to the table.
For George, it was difficult to see the value in collaborating with someone who might outshine him. But in my experience, the most growth happens when you’re not the top dog. For example, I once arranged a meeting with a property investor I admired—someone with a larger portfolio than mine. George was confused. “They’re your rival! Why meet with them?”
I explained that success isn't just about competing—it's about learning from those who know more than you. Maybe they have expertise in areas I don’t, and maybe I have insights they could benefit from. It’s a win-win.
Actionable Takeaways to Level Up Your Game
If you’re looking to grow, whether in business or personally, here’s how to get started:
Embrace Smart Peers: Surround yourself with people smarter or more skilled than you. Their knowledge will push you to grow.
Be Open to Learning: Don’t let your ego get in the way. It’s okay not to be the smartest person in the room. In fact, it’s an advantage.
Seek Inspiration from Experts: Collaborate with those who excel in areas you don’t. Their strengths will complement yours.
Shift Your Success Mindset: Success isn’t just about getting the next promotion or accolade. It’s about continually learning, evolving, and adapting.
Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to lean on others who know more than you. Everyone brings something unique to the table.
By embracing a mindset of continuous learning and collaboration, you’ll position yourself for growth far beyond what you could achieve on your own.
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