No scientific criteria exist for finding the most intelligent person in a room because intelligence is not a straightforward facet.
In fact, different people excel in various settings. The person sitting right next to you may be the smartest, but it takes a lot of work (maybe shy) for him/her to add any value on the spot.
Here is the simple two-question approach that can help you filter through the show-offs and uncover the most intellectually gifted members in almost all life settings.
Let me ask this question.
How can you quickly identify the sharpest minds within a group?
It’s as simple as starting with a fundamental question and following up with a more complex one.
Picture yourself in a group meeting with your marketing team, trying to decide how to allocate the final $10,000 of your campaign budget.
There are endless possibilities to explore, so whose opinions should you trust?
Asking a straightforward or fundamental question will always help to find out who is keen to show off.
For example, if you are the leader/manager (sales team) and trying to figure out who is the most intelligent person in your team, You could ask the following question.
Can someone remind me what B2B/B2C or CRM stands for? It’s the fundamental question in a sales team.
Then relax, sit back, and observe who is keen to answer.
The first ones are (possibly) the show-offs. Why?
Because smart people might think there is a hidden motive behind this question. They are actually waiting for the follow-up question.
Why would your manager need to ask such a basic question?
As the person leading the meeting, that’s the strategy you should employ to find intelligent people.
Once you are done with the most basic questions, now is the time to ask more challenging and tailored questions.
For example:
What solutions are you implementing for your target accounts?
What are the top 3 or 4 specific and measurable activities you are doing to top-line growth? Can you show me the report based on what’s working for you?
At this point, Joe (show-off) might hold back; either he does not have the answer or might stumble upon the follow-up question.
I also observed in my corporate career that intelligent people always ask many questions to find the best way to address the problem before jumping to an answer.
The smart person might ask the following question.
What is the retention rate in the last quarter? Based on that, I might need to pivot my strategy.
They could consult their notes, having quietly reflected on the issue.
Though they may appear reluctant, they understand there’s no perfect solution and are not fearless in collaborating to refine their ideas.
Intelligent people will always add value. It’s possible they might not say something right away, and it’s also possible they will follow up via email.
For leaders hoping to pinpoint innovative problem-solvers on their team — those who know how to think, not just what to think is paramount
The bottom line
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. — Lorne Michaels
Uncovering the sharpest minds in your social group or professional circle requires a subtle strategy.
It’s not always the loudest voices that hold the most intellect or innovative thoughts.
Based on my observations in the corporate world, a few general indicators can help you find out who is the most intelligent person on your team.
Intelligent people prefer to listen more than they speak.
They will always ask insightful questions.
There is a possibility they might be shy (introverted). In that case, they will follow up via email or Slack channel.
They are always open to new ideas. This means they are adaptable individuals.
They are critical thinkers who analyze info, identify patterns and rational connections, and have top-notch cognitive abilities.
They not only understand complex concepts but have the ability to explain them well.
They are always curious and prefer continuous learning.
They are always super humble and understand the immensity of what they don’t know.
Book recommendation: The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho
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