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

jorgegalindo.me

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

#221

Post by frugalmail »

charlietran wrote: post #164
vijucat wrote: post #153

Nice article. Definitely need more kindness in this achievement society. One small crib, though: > In Spanish, we have a saying, "Maestro Liendre: De tó sabe, pero de ná entiende." I don't really know (and don't want) to translate it because it loses its punch, but it fits perfectly here. Wait, why mention it if I, the reader, cannot understand the saying or how it is even relevant to the article, but leave me with t…

from the context in the article, this seems to be the Spanish equivalent of “jack of all trades, master of none”

I think it has more of a negative connotation in the context of thinking you are a "master of all trades" despite not.

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

#224

Post by eleveriven »

ekanes wrote: post #195
derefr wrote: post #154

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which of the two would say nothing in the public meeting to let you save face, but then would pull you aside for a "quick chat" afterward, and tell you your idea is bad then?

The one who is both nice and kind. :P

And smart

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

#225

Post by eleveriven »

mydriasis wrote: post #6

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…

Kindness fosters a sense of trust and camaraderie among team members

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

#227

Post by mydriasis »

ttoinou wrote: post #11
mydriasis wrote: post #6

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 ?

No.

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

#228

Post by mydriasis »

anal_reactor wrote: post #50
mydriasis wrote: post #6

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…

I love reading discussions of people to whom following the social norms comes naturally and they can't fathom the idea that behaving in a way that makes other people feel good is something I need to consciously put effort into.

It also requires conscious effort for me. It takes a lot of energy, but like a lot of things, the more I do it, the easier it becomes.

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

#230

Post by passwordle »

globular-toast wrote: post #155
sidcool wrote: post #126

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's possible to be technically competent and kind. They're not mutually exclusive traits. One doesn't even need to be kind. Just don't be an asshole.

The trouble is "asshole" is relative. As an engineer, I value disagreeable people. I want someone to tell me I'm wrong and disagree with me whenever appropriate. But to many HR types just the mere fact you're disagreeing and not blowing smoke up everyone's arse all the time makes you an asshole. People should also feel ok with calling out incompetence which, again, can make you seem like an asshole to some.

That's what an asshole would say
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