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    Teaching Leaders What to Stop: Aren't I Smart and Aren't They Stupid?

    By Marshall Goldsmith

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    The Hidden Habit Holding Leaders Back

    Many personal flaws can hinder leadership effectiveness, and often we are unaware of them. Self-recognition is the first step toward improvement. When you identify a counterproductive behavior in yourself, you have an opportunity to grow. Admitting the habit is a problem is the next crucial step, and taking corrective action is what distinguishes leaders on a fast track to success.

    The "Aren't I Smart?" Trap

    One of the most common and damaging bad habits is a variation on the compulsive need to win: the tendency to constantly tell the world how smart we are. This often manifests alongside a parallel habit of pointing out how "dumb" someone else is. Whether we are the one speaking or the one listening, the effect is the same.

    A 65% Drain on Communication

    Based on a survey of over 100,000 people, a staggering 65% of all interpersonal communication time is spent on two activities:

    1. Someone talking about how smart they are (or listening to someone do so).
    2. Someone talking about how stupid someone else is (or listening to someone do so).

    If you, like most professionals, feel more busy and under more pressure than ever, consider the impact of dedicating so much time to these zero-value conversations.

    The Ultimate Productivity Enhancement Tool

    To reclaim that lost time and increase your efficiency, you must consciously reduce the percentage of time you spend on such discussions. This is a powerful productivity enhancement tool that is available to everyone.

    Stop Talking, Start Learning

    The value proposition is simple:

    • How much do you learn talking about how smart you are? Nothing.
    • How much do you learn talking about how dumb others are? Absolutely zero.

    Every moment spent on this behavior is a moment not spent on learning, problem-solving, or productive collaboration.

    How to Take Corrective Action

    Breaking this habit requires conscious effort. Start in low-stakes situations where you don't feel the need to flex your "I'm a winner" muscles.

    • Stop yourself: When you catch yourself about to boast or make a sharp critique, pause and choose not to.
    • Excuse yourself: When a conversation devolves into gossip or ego-stroking, politely remove yourself and return to your work.

    By practicing this restraint, you build the skill to avoid unproductive communication and become a more effective and respected leader. '''

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