7 Things Great Leaders Do To Get The Best Out Of Really Smart People

Great leaders recognize that their most valuable asset is their people, especially those who are exceptionally smart and talented. However, managing highly intelligent individuals comes with its own set of challenges. These individuals often have strong opinions, high expectations, and a desire for autonomy. To truly harness their potential and drive organizational success, leaders must employ innovative and thoughtful strategies.

As an executive leadership coach, my role is to help leaders develop the skills and strategies needed to effectively manage and inspire their smartest team members. I assist leaders in understanding the unique motivations and challenges that come with leading highly intelligent individuals. Through personalized coaching, I provide leaders with the tools to create an environment where these individuals can thrive, innovate, and contribute to their fullest potential. Here are seven strategies to help leaders get the best out of their smartest team members:

Foster an Environment of Intellectual Challenge and Growth

Great leaders understand that really smart people thrive on intellectual stimulation. They create an environment where challenging projects, complex problems, and continuous learning are the norm. By offering opportunities for growth and development, leaders keep their top talent engaged and motivated. Encourage them to take on new challenges, explore innovative solutions, and push the boundaries of their knowledge.

Provide Autonomy and Empowerment

Highly intelligent individuals often value their independence and ability to make decisions. Great leaders provide their team members with the autonomy to take ownership of their projects and the freedom to approach tasks in their own way. Empowering them to make decisions not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability. Trusting your smartest people to lead their initiatives can lead to remarkable outcomes.

Encourage Open Dialogue and Debate

Smart people tend to have strong opinions and ideas. Great leaders encourage open dialogue and healthy debate within their teams. They create a culture where differing viewpoints are valued and constructive criticism is welcomed. By fostering an environment of open communication, leaders can tap into the diverse perspectives of their team, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

No matter how smart someone is, appreciation and recognition are fundamental human needs that drive performance and satisfaction. Acknowledging the contributions and achievements of highly intelligent individuals is crucial for maintaining their motivation and engagement. Great leaders make it a point to recognize and celebrate the successes of their team members. This can be done through formal recognition programs, public acknowledgments, or simple, personalized gestures of appreciation. Celebrating achievements reinforces a culture of excellence and inspires continued high performance.

Provide Opportunities for Collaboration

While smart individuals may excel in independent work, collaboration can lead to even greater results. Great leaders create opportunities for their team members to collaborate on projects and share their expertise. This not only fosters teamwork but also allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to innovative solutions and a stronger, more cohesive team.

Leaders must be adept at providing opportunities for smart employees to leverage their strengths and contribute innovatively. This involves not only setting high expectations but also offering the support and resources necessary for them to excel. By creating an environment where smart individuals feel valued and empowered, leaders can harness their potential to drive organizational success and foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Lead from within: Extraordinary leaders maximize the potential of their smartest people by creating an environment that challenges, empowers, and celebrates them.


#1 N A T I O N A L  B E S T S E L L E R

The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness


After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

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