There's a Limit to Our Intelligence, but No Limit to Our Stupidity

Last month I had the pleasure of watching 21 of my #Technomics colleagues on stage at the 2024 International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Workshop in Minneapolis. Some presented 11 technical papers authored and submitted months before the workshop, one of which was selected for a coveted Best Paper Award. Others taught foundational cost analysis subjects featured in ICEAA certification exams. A team of five competed in and won the 2nd annual Cost Challenge. And three others accepted three different ICEAA awards for individual achievement. I’m proud to say that these most recent accolades increased the company’s best paper award total to 20 and individual/team award total at the international and chapter level to 42!

I made my way to the stage to accept the Frank Freiman Lifetime Achievement Award (i.e., one of our three individual awards) and used the opportunity to share some food for thought about careers. I was happily surprised when several audience members approached me after to remark that my candid message resonated and request a copy of the text. Though it is folly to assume that most in the audience of roughly 475 felt the same, I think the importance of my message deserves a larger audience. I hope you feel the same and appreciate you considering sharing it.

Some context for my remarks of May 15th is essential. Simply put, it is my strong evidence-based opinion that members of our profession (and likely others) at all experience levels have come to expect more and more for doing/accomplishing less and less. I certainly have my share of concrete ideas about the root causes of this ever-worsening phenomenon but will save that treatise for another time and place. Suffice it to say that parents and institutions of higher learning are but two of the contributing factors. I hope my thoughts provoke some introspection that prompts a change in behavior. (Note: I recognize that most professionals strive to work smarter, but don’t view this logical behavior as justification to not work harder.)

The text of my speech with some closing remarks I cut to accommodate ICEAA’s one minute time constraint, which I managed to exceed by two minutes anyway, follows.

Good morning. Thanks to Al Leung, Technomics CEO and my colleague, mentor & friend, for nominating me and the awards committee for selecting me.

The Grateful Dead lyric “What a long, strange trip it’s been” from the song Truckin is a great way to characterize my 40+ year career and introduce three pieces of candid career advice in the context of three other song lyrics.

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need” (from Rolling Stones’ song You Can’t Always Get What You Want) ?– There is no substitute for hard work (leave the notion of a 40-hour work week at the door) and accountability (walk the talk, own your mistakes, etc.). Every employer values both. Be patient & loyal and you will reap the rewards.

“This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around” (from Talking Heads’ song Life in Wartime) – Every day is an opportunity. Always operate with a sense of urgency; otherwise, you’re wasting your time and potential.

“Don’t believe the hype” (from Public Enemy’s song Don’t Believe the Hype) – You’re not nearly as good as your boss, client, etc. says because they’re likely telling you what you want vice need to hear. Demand critical feedback, don’t be upset when you get it and use it to improve.

In closing, I’m reminded of a quote from Italian/American writer Piero Scarutti, “There is a limit to human intelligence, but there is no limit to human stupidity.” I’d be shocked if every one of you hasn’t witnessed this reality playing out in all walks of life, workplace included. Any professional who believes it’s possible to achieve significant success and make a real difference for their employer, colleagues, and clients without following my advice is drinking from a bottomless cup of stupidity.