I work with both sides of the spectrum. Sometimes I feel like I am the stupid guy in the room. However - I must remember that I might see myself as stupid, but

I work with both sides of the spectrum. Sometimes I feel like I am the stupid guy in the room. However - I must remember that I might see myself as stupid, but remember, they still hired me, against intense competition. - I have realised that even though I feel stupid, I am more able than some of these rock stars in some areas. - I open my mouth in meetings anyway - I have nothing to lose really - either I make a contribution, or I get ignored, or I get taught something new. - The smartest folks I know are also very kind, and very nice. This is because they apply the same intelligence to interpersonal relationships too - to quote one such smart friend - he says he asks himself: "Do I really have any reason _not_ to be nice?", and that reflects in his behaviour to everyone. - The "smart loners", I have seen are that way because they are insecure. They either believe that teaching or talking about their knowledge devalues their own - or they may be scared of being "found out". - As for myself, and for you - remember that its just a job. You show up, try to do what you are told, and hopefully get to come in again tomorrow to do the same thing. The opinions of your colleagues do not define your self worth - that must come from inside you, and from the act of caring about something greater than you.