Live data from Hacker News

Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

jorgegalindo.me

11–20 of 260 posts

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#11

Work is hard and stressful. If we're sweet and kind to one-another, we get through it more easily, no matter how smart each of us is individually. Being kind is an investment, and its dividends pay out enormously as your organization grows. Like the article says, it's infectious. I believe that. I believe that if I show kindness, especially to people who are new to the organization, they'll mirror it right back, and…

So you want to be kind only for utilitarian motives, not because it’s a good thing in principle ?

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#12

In my latest blog post, I highlight the value of kindness over intelligence in the workplace. I talk about how being kind—through listening, respecting others, showing empathy, and focusing on solutions—can significantly enhance team dynamics and productivity. While being smart is important, I believe that kindness leaves a lasting impact and creates a more positive and effective work environment.

I’d go further and assert that kindness usually aligns with intelligence.

Demonstrating that you’re the smartest guy in the room is an ape-like expression of dominance. The IQ is a distant second.

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#14

In my latest blog post, I highlight the value of kindness over intelligence in the workplace. I talk about how being kind—through listening, respecting others, showing empathy, and focusing on solutions—can significantly enhance team dynamics and productivity. While being smart is important, I believe that kindness leaves a lasting impact and creates a more positive and effective work environment.

Listening and focusing on solutions is being smart though. If you’re only looking for people who are ‘respecting you’ and ‘show empathy’ you might not find competent people with whom you’re gonna produce useful things to trade with the rest of society

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#15
post #11

Work is hard and stressful. If we're sweet and kind to one-another, we get through it more easily, no matter how smart each of us is individually. Being kind is an investment, and its dividends pay out enormously as your organization grows. Like the article says, it's infectious. I believe that. I believe that if I show kindness, especially to people who are new to the organization, they'll mirror it right back, and…

So you want to be kind only for utilitarian motives, not because it’s a good thing in principle ?

What does it mean for a thing to be good in principle?

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#16

In my latest blog post, I highlight the value of kindness over intelligence in the workplace. I talk about how being kind—through listening, respecting others, showing empathy, and focusing on solutions—can significantly enhance team dynamics and productivity. While being smart is important, I believe that kindness leaves a lasting impact and creates a more positive and effective work environment.

how is focusing on solutions a kind act?

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#17
post #11

Work is hard and stressful. If we're sweet and kind to one-another, we get through it more easily, no matter how smart each of us is individually. Being kind is an investment, and its dividends pay out enormously as your organization grows. Like the article says, it's infectious. I believe that. I believe that if I show kindness, especially to people who are new to the organization, they'll mirror it right back, and…

So you want to be kind only for utilitarian motives, not because it’s a good thing in principle ?

[flagged]

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#18
Polar opposite advice frequently posted here is How to Ask Questions the Smart Way: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

No single article on the internet has irritated me as much as this. Being a 'hacker' does not mean someone gets special privileges to be a scumbag.

Re: Do not try to be the smartest in the room; try to be the kindest

#19

Being too kind can also be negative, I prefer honesty and reality above the rest.

I too think that being too x, where x is any adjective, is a bad thing. I much prefer people being just the right amount of y, where y is any adjective.
Post reply on HN