I was watching some football over the weekend and some post-game interviews. One question to a quarterback was about why a certain player has made such a big jump this year. The answer, “His intelligence.”
One of my friends and client is Fred Barkman, owner of Spectra Labs. If I’ve heard Fred say it once I’ve heard him say it a dozen times (the old standard), “A people hire A people, B people hire C people.” It’s the same as a boss saying they want to hire people smarter than they are. Or a sales manager stating they want all their salespeople making more than they do.
I’ve been on numerous boards, both for for-profit and nonprofit organizations. There are always a lot of smart people, which is needed because none of us have all the answers (and it’s tough getting through to people who think they have all the answers). I know firsthand as my dad figured there were two ways to do just about anything, the wrong way and his way.
Most importantly, it’s utilizing the smart people you know. For example:
- In a recent online presentation, a person who recently sold his business advised the audience to use their advisors to help drive the deal.
- Your team. They often have the answers and need to be encouraged to contribute.
- Friends and family can add value, as long as you give parameters versus getting unsolicited input on any and every subject.
Bottom line, there’s a reason collaboration works. It turns 2+2=4 to 2+2=22 (or more).
“I love playing with smart players.” Aaron Rodgers
“Intelligence is quickly seeing things as they are.” George Santayana