Sometimes I wonder if being stupid would get me farther in life. I often look around and can’t help but notice some of the stupidest people in positions of power. I used to imagine the corporate world as a place where everyone worked together towards a common goal of making their company greater overall and learning about themselves in the process. I was so very wrong.
I ofter wonder if being smart holds me back. I work in an IT/helpdesk role that supports tens of thousands of users within a global corporation. I work on a team with some other incredibly smart and talented individuals, and we’re all good at what we do. But there are days when it seems like the people we’re supporting are completely incapable of functioning on their own or reading to solve a problem rather than calling for help at the drop of a hat. The analytical part of me just doesn’t comprehend that.
I could never race to someone else for the answer anytime something goes wrong – I’d be afraid of looking stupid. I’d research it, look around, maybe ask a friend, pretty much doing everything in my power to resolve my own issue before I spend the time calling a helpdesk for assistance. And even if I did have to call for help, I would never be as rude as some of the people I have to deal with on a daily basis.
To clarify this, I am not in any way saying I have a problem with people asking for help. I do it frequently. There is nothing embarrassing about having to admit you don’t know everything. However, there is something to be said for making an effort before you make someone else do it for you. I have nothing against naivety, but I absolutely despise blatant stupidity and voluntary idiocy. That is, I strongly dislike those who make the conscious choice not to ever try to better themselves, always relying on others to pick up the slack. These are the people I support. These are the people with salaries 4 times what I make. These are the faces behind Corporate America.
This is why I’m going to strive my lower my intelligence. Perhaps if I appear stupid I’ll someday rise to a position of power instead of being subjugated into a role that supports those with influence.
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Let me know how that works out.
Will do.
The world is full of the type of people you describe, that is why I endeavor to be different. Besides these people can be very entertaining to watch and provide many laughs. By the way do you think it is the absence of brain cells or the volume of air that is the problem?
I agree that these people can be entertaining, and that’s probably the only thing that has kept me sane. I don’t know what causes it, but whatever it is, these people have it in abundance.
Excellent post, right on, especially the third paragraph.
Ponder this for a moment…some of these people in higher positions (and when you get there, you might fall into this category), have much more pressing issues that require their time. They have to weigh the option of trying to self-educate in an area, so they don’t appear stupid, taking time away from being able to make decisions only they (in their position) can, or let their ignorance shine through by calling for help, in the interest of the “greater good.” When you get to a higher Mgmt’ position, you’ll stumble across areas outside your expertise, and you’ll have to make that decision. You might find that there’ll be a time or two that you choose to ask for help — from a “lesser” employee, albeit one that can give you the answer faster than you can search for it on your own — so that you can get back to allocating your time to matters for which your title/expertise are expected and depend upon. However, I know that you will be much nicer and respectful to these “helper bees” than most others, because of your experience on the IT Helpdesk. Walking a mile in other people’s shoes before we get a chance to buy them is difficult sometimes, but always beneficial. The experience you’re getting now will enable you to do so much more, and achieve great things. My money (literally) is on you — you have my vote (of convidence). Look out Corporate American, Dean is headed your way!
Hmmmmm….I know exactly what you mean.