Author

Topic: How can I identify the smartest person in the room? (Read 130 times)

legendary
Activity: 2688
Merit: 1468
They talk the least because they are bored when ants argue.

They might join the conversation once something interesting comes along or when everybody else does not know what to do with the problem that is being discussed.  They will provide a terse description of the root cause and provide a solution in the same sentence.

Most executives will dismiss their ideas at first, but later on they will re-introduce the same ideas as their own.

In companies the smartest people are the low level engineers.  The dumbest, on average, are the managers and executives who supervise them.

I have seen executives who were slightly retarded, and  some who were well above the average.  But it is a hit and miss.
jr. member
Activity: 40
Merit: 1
Yes indeed, to be the most powerful person is not only needed intelligence, but also needed a qualified experience.
legendary
Activity: 1540
Merit: 2036
Betnomi.com Sportsbook, Casino and Poker
When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.

I feel this may only be leading you to their "handler". These people are often there to help keep the "important" or visible person of a company/brand on message. So when you witness a politician or CEO answer a question off the cuff they may just be trying to gauge how well they did.

Often the smartest person speaks least of all.


This is a sad truth most of the time. Depending on the setting they may not be speaking up, to protect their job or job prospects. In other circles it may be that they just don't have the energy to discuss the issues anymore; or feel their time will just be wasted.

Best thing to do in the end, is just make sure you are sorting out fact from fiction in the room.
newbie
Activity: 13
Merit: 0
In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
It’s very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.
The most intelligent person is very often not the most influential. I mean formally.
But people feel the intellectual superiority subconsciously. That's why people often look at this person when they speak, they are looking for his approval.
Often the smartest person speaks least of all.
member
Activity: 149
Merit: 14
In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
It’s very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.
Jump to: