3 Smarts

I’ve never considered myself super smart. Oh, I figure I’m smart enough…to contribute and achieve in society. But in terms of “book smarts,” I just don’t think I have it. Could be wrong on that, but not likely.

And I’m not overly practical either. When it comes to basic street smarts, or let’s say around-the-house, building and fix-with-your-hands application, once again, not that smart! Oh, I can get by – I’ve been a home owner for 25 years - nothing blown up yet! And I once even changed an oil filter (came out completely covered in oil afterward, but it was successfully changed).

So, not an Einstein or a MacGyver.

What’s left?

Well, in my opinion, there is one more intelligence. People smarts.

Humbly, I think that’s my ace. In life, it’s pretty hard to avoid people. They’re pretty much everywhere, in every transaction, activity, and endeavor. Every day we’re interacting with each other – either making deposits or withdrawals from people’s emotional bank accounts. Sales is the obvious place of value in effectively dealing with people; yet, truly sales, at some level, is a part of every human interaction. Get sincerely good at earning other people’s trust, respect and interest, and you’re well on your way to success in life.  Nail down the other two – Einstein and MacGyver, but miss the people part and you might be in trouble.  Still to this day, the inability or unwillingness to get along with others is one of the biggest reasons for job displacement. Nope, not competence, confidence – in effectively dealing with people.  Miss that and you’ll eventually lose.

So there you have it – 3 smarts - intellectual, practical, people smarts. Pretty sure I’m only one for three, but that’s worked out pretty well so far.

Best case scenario – ace them all! But, if you could only have one, what would you choose?

For me, it’s always been people smarts. Good thing.