The Trouble With Geniuses
Ken Carlson
Experienced Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer with a knack for working with Geeks; Specializing in Engineering, Science, Math, and Medical.
We've rebranded as PricklyPear! In early 2023, we began sharing weekly content (see below) with a focus on neurodivergent leaders and we truly hope it has made a difference for you. Several weeks ago, we introduced you to a new company that I (Ken) and Petra Russell, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP have launched to specifically serve neurodivergent leaders.
As Executive Coaches and Leadership Trainers we've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of neurodivergent leaders and coach them through many leadership and workplace challenges. Each week we will continue to share resources and insights for neurodivergent leaders and the rest of us.
In this week's newsletter we discuss the trouble with geniuses.
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The Trouble With Geniuses
Smart people, like you, usually know they are smart. They’ve been told that since they first learned their math tables faster than their peers. They have a higher level of intelligence than the average bear.
It’s good to be smart. We can think through problems, be creative, and efficiently make our way through life.
It’s good to be smart at work too. It’s a talent that is respected and utilized to improve a business.
If being smart is good, then being a genius is even better, right? Of course there is value in being that smart—having a brain that works effectively at solving problems must be wonderful.
And it is good. Genius has given the world countless inventions, theories, and ways of being. Where would we be without Einstein, Stephen Hawking, or Marie Curie?
However, everything gives us something and everything costs us something.
One of the most valuable concepts I have learned in my life is that more knowledge doesn’t always mean better—in fact I carry around two beliefs that may surprise you.
Test these out in your own life, but let me just give you a couple examples.
They say ignorance is bliss because sometimes knowing reality actually is painful. We have at our fingertips now in our own personal rectangles the possibility of having knowledge about anything and everything—and are we happier? Doubtful. Isn’t it painful to know the details about what is happening all over the world? Of course.
What’s sad as well is when we come to the realization that knowing doesn’t make THE difference in life. Action does. We all know how to lose weight—but does knowing that information change our lives? We all know what we need to do in order to make more money in 2024—but does that make the difference? Of course not. Action, commitment, keeping your word—those are the things that make THE difference.
So what’s the trouble with geniuses? They are wonderful and amazing people—but sometimes they get stuck psychologically because we value knowledge so much in our society. Just like every person, geniuses need love, attention, friendship, and to be treated like a human.
In the neurodivergent world, especially with senior leaders, there are a lot of geniuses. They made it so far in their career with their knowledge and creativity—but often what happens is they get stuck because they haven’t practiced the other skills that are also important in leadership.
?That’s where coaching comes in—at PricklyPear , we work with neurodivergent leaders and connect them to all of their values. Sometimes it’s just as simple as focusing their energy on the other things that really matter to them.
Are you a genius and struggle sometimes with connecting with the other parts of yourself? Send us a note or set up a meeting—we’d love to make a difference for you.
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Past Articles: Neurodiverse Leadership Resource Library
Want more resources on neurodiversity leadership? We are finding and creating resources for you. Watch this section expand every week.
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Staying In Touch
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