Surround Yourself with the Smartest Minds, but Lead the Rest: Reflections from an HR

Surround Yourself with the Smartest Minds, but Lead the Rest: Reflections from an HR

I consider myself fortunate to have found the right mentors early in my career. One key piece of advice from my boss was to "hire/work with someone smarter than you."

The logic is simple: engaging with brilliant minds can be inspiring, pushing us to new heights and sparking innovative ideas.

However, what happens when you find yourself working with individuals who don’t necessarily fit this mold?

How do you handle those situations, especially when your role involves leading and inspiring others?

With more than a decade in HR, I've had the privilege of working with some truly brilliant colleagues whose insights and skills continue to inspire me. These individuals challenge me to think differently, strive for excellence, and continuously evolve. Their presence has been a constant source of motivation and professional growth.

Conversely, I've also encountered those who, while not necessarily lacking in effort, may not shine as brightly in terms of intellect or problem-solving skills. Interactions with these individuals can sometimes be challenging and, if we're honest, might make us want to avoid difficult conversations altogether.

But, let’s face it: in any people-facing role—or in life in general—do we have the luxury of choosing who we cross paths with?

The answer is Not really ?? & hence it is essential to navigate these situations with a mindset of growth and learnings..

During one of my career reviews, my then-boss had shared a valuable insight: "While one can be extremely ambitious and unapologetically focused, certain aspects of leadership come with experience." This reflection has stayed with me as I continue to evolve both personally and professionally.

Here are some key reflections on navigating the challenge of working with individuals who may not initially seem as 'smart' or capable as others:

1. Embrace the Learning Opportunity: Every interaction, even with those who seem less adept, offers a chance to refine your leadership skills. Use these moments to practice patience, empathy, and effective communication.
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Believe that everyone has the potential to grow and improve. Your role is to help unlock that potential by providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback.
3. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the qualities you wish to see in others. Show commitment, diligence, and a willingness to learn, and others will often mirror these behaviors.
4. Foster an Inclusive Environment: Create a work culture where all voices are valued, and individuals are encouraged to contribute their ideas. Inclusivity can often bring out hidden strengths and perspectives.
5. Provide Constructive Feedback: Approach feedback with the intent to uplift and guide. Help individuals understand their areas for improvement and work collaboratively to address them.
6. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate even small victories and improvements. Recognizing progress can motivate individuals to strive for further development.
7. Focus on your wellbeing: Ensure you prioritize your own well-being to maintain the energy and resilience needed for managing different individuals. Balance work with personal time, practice self-care, and seek support when needed to stay at your best. Having a mentor who can help you navigate your journey is extremely cruicial for times when you feel stuck or need guidance to help you gather valuable perspective and support.

In conclusion, while it is invigorating to be surrounded by brilliant minds, the true test of leadership often lies in guiding and inspiring those who may not yet see their own potential. By embracing these challenges with a positive and proactive mindset, we not only enhance our leadership capabilities but also contribute to the growth and success of those around us.

Reflecting on my journey from then to now, I’ve learned that leading isn’t just about navigating the brilliance of others but also about lifting everyone to their best selves.

In the end, these are the experiences that shape us into better leaders and individuals.

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