"Smart" isn't a single-dimensional space where you're either smarter or dumber than someone else. You're probably a lot smarter about your domain than anyone el

"Smart" isn't a single-dimensional space where you're either smarter or dumber than someone else. You're probably a lot smarter about your domain than anyone else, including top brass. The trick is that those other people operate in different domains in which "smart" looks a bit different. The antidote is humility. Genuinely and in good faith assume that other people can teach you something. Get out of the habit of asking yes/no questions where you define the premise (except transactional interactions), ask how, what etc. You'll quickly meet people who are smart in domains you barely knew existed.