The Narrative That Intelligence Will Lead to Success is a Lie
Overvaluing being “smart” misses the point
Have you ever run smack up against the limit of how smart you are?
Maybe you tried a course on machine learning or watched a video on the multiverse, or maybe you just couldn’t figure out what your colleague was saying in that spec document.
You felt the feeling of “Oh sh*t. This is more complex than I thought.” The optimism and curiosity you had drained from your body. You feel stupid like you’ll never pass your smarter colleagues.
And wonder if you’ll ever reach your goals.
Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that isn’t true. No matter how much people, especially in tech, seem to value intelligence, it truly will not limit you.
Here’s why.
The Illusion of Intellectual Supremacy
The narrative that intelligence is the golden ticket to success, respect, and happiness is a lie.
Intelligence alone is like a knife.
It has its uses. It can discern things, take problems apart, solve them, and put them back together with lightning speed. It can recognize patterns, apply logic and reasoning, and adapt to new situations.
All of these are valuable, especially in tech. But they aren’t everything.
Where Intelligence Falls Down
Let’s imagine a few scenarios.
Imagine an intelligent junior being too timid to speak up against a group of seniors who are doubling down on the status quo.
Imagine the intelligent as*hole who alienates everyone around them (you probably don’t have to imagine too hard on this one).
What about an intelligent person who isn’t willing to learn new things? Who is kind, but socially awkward? Who’s brilliant but careless?
It’s easy to see how quickly intelligence isn’t nearly enough to achieve great things.
Intelligence gets all the attention, but it falls to the wayside if other important traits are missing.
The Most Underappreciated Value
Let’s talk about the superpower that outshines raw intelligence every single day. We don’t talk about it enough.
That’s courage.
Courage lets us say things that everyone sees but no one wants to hear. Let’s face it — you don’t need to be a genius to see some of the most important truths in your company, or even in your industry.
It’s hard to acknowledge if the product you’re selling isn’t valued to the same degree it was two years ago.
It’s hard to tell someone that they aren’t performing at the level you expect for their role.
It’s hard to face it if you’re being beaten by a stronger, faster competitor.
Reality is Hard to Acknowledge
Having the courage to identify existential problems and address them head-on isn’t easy.
That’s why many companies don’t do it. They puff out their chests, over-value their strengths, and close their eyes and ears to the outside.
This is how companies languish, let problems fester, and eventually fizzle out.
It sets businesses apart when they’re willing to acknowledge their glaring flaws. It takes a ton of courage to do that when others are dead set against listening.
The Full Picture
Of course, there’s are more ingredients that lead to knockout success.
Emotional intelligence, persuasion, kindness, curiosity, and openness. Like cooking utensils, they all have their uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
But remember: Intelligence alone is just a knife.
It’s hard to make a meal without it. But it’s definitely not the only tool you need to make and enjoy food.
If you put intelligence and courage together, with a dash of kindness, you’ve got yourself a wicked combo.
So don’t worry if that machine learning course went over your head.
Flex your bravery instead and you’ll be a one-of-a-kind.
Hi! I’m Celia👋 I appreciate you reading this post! If you’d like to read more about writing, psychology, and productivity, give me a follow.
