November 14, 2008

“I like being around people who are smarter than me and the great thing is I never have to look very far to find them.”

People who don’t take themselves too seriously are fun.  They understand the world doesn’t revolve around them.   In most cases, those who are a bit self-deprecating in their humor are very bright and capable folks.  Typically, they surround themselves with talented people and know how to find solutions.

On the other hand, you never have to look very far to find the polar opposite.  These are those whose ego prevents them from learning anything they didn’t already know.  No matter the subject, they have an affinity for the sound of their own voice.  Talented people don’t want anything to do with them.  The ego-driven accomplish things either by themselves or through brute force.

Chances are we have all encountered lots of both types of people.  Too often, some corporate cultures promote the ego-driven manager.  I’m grateful to work with a partner who is self-deprecating by nature.  I’ve had the experience of working with non-communicative, ego-maniacs.  I much prefer the former.

Recently, my partner Joe and I were attending a conference where many very intelligent people were present.  It didn’t take us long to figure out that we were at the short end of the cerebral stick.  As we entered the main ballroom at the conference, Joe turned to me with a chuckle and said, “I like being around people who are smarter than me and the great thing is I never have to look very far to find them.”  I related well to his humor.

One of the great blessings of life is to be with people of talent.  Even better is to know that we all have something to share as part of a family or in a job or on a project or toward the enrichment of other lives.  A very humble woman once said to me, “I only have one talent but I could be busy the rest of my life using it.”

For many in leadership, building others and their talents is a fulfilling endeavor that endures.  Like Joe, none of us should have to look too far to find them.