Are you the smartest guy in the room?
If the answer is yes, you have a good-sized ego and hopefully the confidence within yourself to back that up. Unless abused and misrepresented, I have no issues with ego. I think if you really believe you are great at what you do, exercise good sense about it and how you do it – then my hat’s off to you and you deserve to have an ego.
However, there are many that would have you believe they are the smartest guy in the room and these are the ones we need to be cautious of. They want you to know they are the smartest one in the room.
They don’t mind sharing their opinions. In fact, they take pride in that. They want their voice to be heard. They need their voice to be heard. That’s what drives them. But, not always will they have the substance to support what they say and do. But they talk a good game.
That, to me defines the fine line between ego and confidence. Ego is driven by perception not results.
People with egos (Let’s call them Peogos) exhibit a tendency to float under the radar & minimize the pressure of being visible. After all, visibility is exposure and that puts you out there. That can be demanding.
If you have the confidence to be ‘out there’ you don’t need to be driven by ego. Quite the contrary, you are capable, self-reliant and exhibit natural courage to do things and more importantly – get stuff accomplished.
Peogos are likely to duck and cover when the crap hits the fan. In a NY minute – they will throw you under the bus…..just to save their own ass.
Did we execute? Did we perform well? Did we meet our goals? Accomplishment is the true measure of the ‘smartest guy in the room’. The one that stands out, takes charge, partners, mentors, takes the hit, shares the glory……that’s the smartest guy/girl in the room.