We often hear people refer to others as “smart.” But what does that actually mean? To me, there are different dimensions to being smart. It can be made up of several components, including education, knowledge, experience, intelligence and emotional intelligence (often referred to as EQ). Others may define smart as having wisdom, recognizing patterns or having consistently good judgment.
Education is often the foundation of what most people consider smart. While it may begin with formal schooling or training, it doesn’t necessarily end there. In my opinion, true education is a commitment to lifelong learning, one that extends into many facets of life.
Knowledge, on the other hand, is the information you’ve accumulated. You can memorize facts, statistics and trivia, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to use that knowledge or apply it effectively.
Intelligence, to me, is the ability to reason, recognize patterns, solve problems and accomplish goals. While knowledge tells you the facts, intelligence shows you how to use them.
But even intelligence doesn’t guarantee good choices or sound judgment. That’s why wisdom and experience are so important. Wise people often make wise and thoughtful decisions, seeing beyond immediate satisfaction to consider long-term consequences and the bigger picture. They also know when to rely on their own judgment and when to seek guidance from others who may be more knowledgeable or experienced.
But even intelligence doesn’t guarantee good choices or sound judgment. That’s why wisdom and experience are so important. Wise people often make wise, thoughtful decisions, seeing beyond immediate satisfaction to consider long-term consequences and the bigger picture. They also know when to rely on their own judgment and when to seek guidance from others who may be more knowledgeable or experienced, and they’re willing to think outside the box to create creative, effective solutions.
Another dimension of being smart is our ability to relate to others. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential for happiness, resilience and maintaining healthy relationships. It enables us to regulate our emotions, empathize with others and handle life’s challenges. Often, people with outstanding interpersonal skills can be more successful than those who rely solely on intellectual knowledge.
Interpersonal skills are the ability to empathize, communicate and interact with others in a collaborative way. Without these skills, one’s success can be limited. After all, one person can only do so much.
Being smart is not just about the “what” or the “how.” It’s about the “who.” If the who isn’t right, then the what doesn’t matter.
True intelligence isn’t just about having the right answers; it’s also about the ability to work well with others. Those who can build strong relationships and leverage the strengths of different people often accomplish more than they could on their own. ●
Umberto P. Fedeli is President & CEO of The Fedeli Group
