I am always surprised by people in leadership positions acting like they are the smartest person in the room.  This post builds on a my IQ/EQ post of a couple of weeks ago.

Some leaders have the false impression being the smartest (highest IQ) is the reason they are in their role.  They believe continued demonstration that they are the smartest person is needed to maintain their level of authority.

Sadly nothing could be farther from the truth.  IQ represents the minimum price of entry to a leadership role, and frequent demonstration of effective behavior at the appropriate level of intensity is what makes you a good or great leader.

Key Behaviors of the Smartest Person

The need to always be right, have every answer and provide the last word are the basic attribtes of the smartest person.  When you are trying to lead from behind, that is let others demonstrate their leader within, the smartest person in the room behaviors are the last thing you want to do.

Please Listen to Me

No need to listen to others when you are the smartest person in the room, you already know the answer.  Or my favorite ” Not sure what you said because I don’t need to listen, given I am the smartest person you better listen to me while I coach you.”

An Example

A really good real live example of smartest in the room behavior is demonstrated by Steve Jobs.  If you have read his biography or seen any of the recently released movies you can get a first hand understanding of what this behaviour looks like, and what others generally think about it.

If you aspire to be a strong and effective leader I recommend keeping tabs on your own smartest person behaviors and only using them sparingly and in a context where they are the best approach.