Working Conversations Episode 114:

One Big Mistake Leaders Make

Are you a leader who is guilty of trying to be the smartest person in the room?

It's a common mistake that can hinder your growth and effectiveness.

In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide valuable insights on how to avoid this pitfall.

Naturally, new leaders often fall into this trap. They were once the subject matter experts, and it can be challenging to shift their focus to leadership skills.

However, true leadership requires drawing upon a broader set of skills to establish and maintain authority.

Interestingly, even experienced leaders can succumb to the temptation of being the smartest person in the room. Driven by ego and the desire for status, they position themselves as superior to others intellectually.

Sometimes it shows up as the phenomenon known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. This effect was first described by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger in 1999, based on their research at Cornell University.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect refers to the tendency of people with low ability or knowledge in a particular area to overestimate their competence and believe they are more skilled or knowledgeable than they actually are.

But remember, the most successful leaders understand the value of surrounding themselves with brilliant minds and recognizing that they don't have to be the smartest person in every situation.

Join me as I explore why some leaders fall into this mindset and share practical strategies to overcome it. You’ll discover the power of collaboration, the importance of humility, and how embracing diverse perspectives can lead to more effective leadership.

Listen and catch the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch it and replay it on my YouTube channel, JanelAndersonPhD.

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