When the smarty pants needs to be a fool
What? Did he really say that? Have you ever caught yourself saying that after someone says something so shockingly stupid? People regularly mention surprising conversations that they have had through the week. Sometimes I find myself shaking my head or even placing my head in my hands and thinking, “why do people tell me things I don’t want to know?” I am by far not the smartest person in the world, but it’s interesting to me when people just tell me what’s on their mind. Or is it actually because they think I’m the idiot. This is the far more likely scenario even if you refuse to see it. Being the fool means you need to work on yourself. How you communicate and how people see you.
Listening to oneself think can be a hard. I mean really thinking about what you are thinking about is the starting point to realizing what you are saying. Being honest and self-critiquing is an admission of flaw and if you can’t do that then stop reading right now. The sooner you accept the fact that silly conversations will frustrate the crap out of you the sooner you will need to learn how to develop the skill to absorb the conversation and simply move on.
Being intelligent can be a curse and a blessing at the same time. Nobody wants to be known as a know it all but if you’re smart you’re smart. So do not form an opinion until the question is fully asked. Concentrate on the person asking the question and respond in a way that their intellectual capacity will understand. Never shoot above their heads with your answer or else they will never come to you with a question ever again. If your answer is not what they want to hear don’t worry and just let it go. No sense in forcing the issue and your audience will thank you for that. Managers, when and employee asks you a legitimate business question asked in a respected manner they deserve and honest answer.
When it comes to communication skills it has to always be coupled with emotional intelligence, they are one of the most important parts of the workday. If everyone else seems to be the problem, you have to take a hard look at yourself and determine that perhaps you need to polish your skills. Some people are naturally good communicators, but some people need to work on it. Taking the time to improve yourself while helping others become better, and the people around you will appreciate it. Be smart but also be aware.
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