Lesson 1: Don’t let being smart make you small
For most young folks with a First Class, BGS, or good professional qualifications, the workplace often places high value on your intelligence.
But there’s a hidden side of intelligence nobody talks about. The curse.
I’ve seen it happen to many bright young professionals. They appear cold, reserved and almost withdrawn.
Not because they lack ideas. But because they are afraid
– Afraid of being wrong
– Afraid of sounding proud
– Afraid of being that smart guy
I’ve experienced it in the past.
When I started my first job, I was very quiet in my first two months. I could see inefficiencies in processes. I knew I could automate iterations with VBA. I could optimize models. I had ideas.
But I was new and scared to speak or suggest improvements.
Scared colleagues might feel uncomfortable.
Scared I might be wrong. That feeling was real.
Luckily for me, my boss spotted something. She gave me a task. I didn’t just complete it quickly. I explained it thoroughly so she could speak confidently about it herself.
From then on, she would say in meetings. “Michael, I’m sure you have something to share.” She even gave me opportunities to present in board meetings as a first year analyst.
Even then, I still struggled internally with sharing strong counterviews, all in the name of not appearing proud.
Looking back, I was fortunate. All my bosses were good at spotting talent. They pulled me out.
I live by this principle. Never outshine your master and always make your boss look very good.
Enrich your boss and in doing so, you elevate yourself.
That gave me visibility despite my natural hesitation.
From experience, the real traps some smart young professionals face are
1. Overthinking. some analyze every step so much that they miss opportunities.
2. Perfectionism & fear of failure. anything less than perfect feels like failure.
3. Imposter Syndrome. self doubt and constant fear of being considered as not as intelligent
My coping strategies then was
1. Channel your intelligence internally first. enrich your boss and your team before trying to impress outsiders.
2. Embrace imperfection. You will get things wrong. growth demands it.
3.Find intellectual outlets outside work. early in my career, I lectured in five ICAN centers. It kept me sharp and confident. Professional exams also helped.
4. Build emotional intelligence. Know when to speak. Know how to present your ideas. Technical strength without emotional balance can limit you.
To every smart young professional
Do not shrink yourself. Never let fear of judgment or self doubt dim your inner light.
Your worth is not defined by others’ opinions or by one imperfect moment.
Day 2 of me getting back into design, I have decided to engage in reading this book by Don Norman. "The design of everyday things".
https://t.co/wNg1winVMv
Week 2 broke my brain.
Doctor booking isn’t simple — it’s anxiety + edge cases.
Designing for clarity, not just UI.
What frustrates you most?
Hospital Appointment booking app 🤌
Week 2 broke my brain.
Doctor booking isn’t simple — it’s anxiety + edge cases.
Designing for clarity, not just UI.
What frustrates you most?
Hospital Appointment booking app 🤌
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