The Trap of Being the Smartest

Your biggest career mistake isn't lack of skill, it is thinking success comes from

being the smartest. We are taught to specialize, believing depth equals excellence.

But homogeneous teams consistently underperform diverse ones. Matthew Syed's research shows that cognitive

diversity, not individual genius, drives breakthrough innovation in every industry. When everyone thinks

alike, blind spots multiply. The real advantage is assembling people who challenge your

assumptions. Action one: actively seek perspectives that contradict yours, especially from different

industries or varied backgrounds. Action two: when building teams, prioritize varied thinking

styles over similar credentials. Diversity unlocks new possibilities. Do not forget