If You’re The Smartest In The Room, You’re In The Wrong Room
How to Step Into Rooms That Expand Your Potential
Makris, 87%
It was sixth grade, and the tension in the classroom was palpable. Our teacher, with a stern expression, held a stack of graded exams. You see, in those days, every major exam (but seriously, what really counts as “an important evaluation” in elementary school ?) came with a dramatic ritual.
The teacher would call out the grades in descending order—highest to lowest—announcing each student’s last name and score for the entire class to hear. Today were the results of our french grammar exam.
"Makris, 87%," the teacher called out.
I made the solemn walk to the front, picked up my graded paper, turned to face the sea of classmates, and quietly sat down. For those at the top, there was a moment of pride (or maybe relief). For everyone else, especially those called at the end, it was doom and gloom. This repeated itself, multiple times per week. It was grueling.
In a world today where "everyone gets a medal," this approach was in complete contradiction. There was no sugarcoating, no participation trophies. You definitely knew who the smartest student in the room was—and yes, it did motivate me.
Looking back, there were probably better ways to motivate us to reach our full potential. Grade shaming wasn’t exactly the gentlest tools for inspiration. But for all these flaws, those moments instilled a truth that’s stuck with me: growth requires challenge.
Don’t Wait For Your Grade - Act Now
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens when you’re surrounded by people who push you to think harder, aim higher, and question your assumptions. It’s not just about intelligence; it’s about seeking spaces where others’ strengths, experiences, and perspectives challenge you to evolve.
If You’re The Smartest In The Room, You’re In The Wrong Room
The only thing worse than being the smartest person in the room is believing you’re the smartest person in the room. In fact, believing that you’re more intelligent than others is a surefire way to disater. It’s a mindset that closes you off to learning, to new ideas, and to the very thing that fosters growth—humility.
As a leader, it takes confidence to choose a team of people who are smarter than you. You must be secure in who you are, the position you hold, and your commitment to the organization’s mission. When you’re not afraid to surround yourself with those who challenge you, you create a culture of growth, trust, and innovation.
How to Step Into Rooms That Expand Your Potential
Ready to step into environments that challenge you, push your limits, and fuel your growth? Here's how to do it:
Let Go of Ego
Let go of the need to be the smartest person in the room. Shift from proving yourself to focusing on your long-term growth. When you embrace a mindset of learning, new opportunities will unfold.Embrace the Discomfort of Being the Beginner
Stepping into a new industry, leadership role, or skillset means feeling uncomfortable—and that’s a sign you’re in the right place. Be humble, ask questions, listen, and grow from the knowledge of others.Seek Out Diverse Perspectives
True growth happens when you surround yourself with people who offer different viewpoints and experiences. Seek conversations that push you outside your comfort zone and expand your thinking.Learn From Those Who’ve Walked the Path
Find mentors who challenge your assumptions and provide honest feedback. Seek those who inspire you to think bigger, not just confirm what you already know.Surround Yourself With People Who Challenge You
Create an environment where ideas evolve. Build a network of people who will hold you accountable, question your assumptions, and push you to take bold actions. Consistent challenge leads to consistent growth.
Take-Home Messages
🦉 Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and push you to grow.
Seek rooms that stretch you. If you're the smartest person in the room, it's time to step into a new one.
Makris, 82% (who said learning was linear !)
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About the Author:
Nick is passionate about enabling people and businesses to reach their full potential. He taps into over 25+ years of truly diverse leadership experience, challenging the status quo - to ultimately define a clear strategic path forward and propel success.
Life Science Leader | Board member | Founder of Aktina Group Consulting | Proud Father
Crikey, that took me right back to junior school in the UK. Every Friday we had a spelling test and a maths test. The teacher read out the questions, we wrote down the answers. Then we were sorted into rows.
The kids with the high scores sat in the row next to the window, there were three other rows.
No wonder we are all scared of making a mistake or admitting we can't do something. It was drilled into us by shaming and naming at school.
I’m not really into grade-shaming, but I’ll admit it did push me in school. I was pretty competitive—more intrinsically motivated, but definitely driven by some outside validation too. That said, I think it’s important to stay humble. There’s always something to learn from people, no matter what their academic background looks like. My brother barely made it through high school, but he’s brilliant with anything mechanical or electrical and completely self-taught. He built a go-kart from scrap metal at age 12. That kind of mind? That’s its own kind of genius.