I don’t do well thinking or answering on the spot; my verbal delivery is not half as eloquent as my written. Yet, time and time again, I’ve stood out as a guiding example in team dynamics. How? I’m not the smartest or the most educated on paper. This isn’t negative self-talk; it’s factual. As I advanced in my career, I realized my differentiator: I come prepared. I take the time to know my stuff. I can keep up with subject matter experts in conversation, filling in the blanks and even offering additional detail and context as they pause to gather their thoughts.
I once had a good friend reassure me before an internal interview for a new role. I had worked hard preparing a presentation, but just before the interview, I learned that someone I perceived as having a leg up was also interviewing. She seemed polished and possibly had an existing relationship with the hiring manager. Only one person was being hired, and I felt crushed. I lacked the prerequisites and qualifications for the job—just a passion and a knack for the skills required.
“I know she hasn’t prepared like you have,” my friend said.
These words have stayed with me. They play in my head whenever I feel ill-qualified or doubtful about making a good impression. And you know what? It’s true. Preparation makes a difference. The ability to cut through the noise and solve problems is invaluable, and those who take the time to do so stand out. While I’m not the smartest, most qualified, or most experienced, I trust that I can take on challenges and make a real impact.
Tips for Getting Ahead When You’re Not the Smartest, Most Qualified, or Most Experienced
1. Utilize Existing Resources: You don’t have to have all the answers. Lean on the resources available—whether it’s materials, search engines, or tools like ChatGPT. Bonus points: If a resource doesn’t exist, create one yourself! Not only does this serve the purpose of filling in the gaps in your own understanding, but it also helps the person who comes after you not to have as hard of a time. Can someone say leader?
2. Engage with SMEs: Put yourself out there and talk with subject matter experts. Pause them along the way, parrot back what they’ve said in your own words, then ask them to hold on while you write it down. Go back and think deeply about the information. This is how you upskill in the workplace and really become an expert. It also allows you to venture out and understand other areas of the business you may not interact with as often, making you a more well-rounded professional.
3. Practical Application: If applicable, try the process out for yourself. Talking pen and paper here—write down flaws in the system or process that you catch and share your findings. Don’t be afraid to get recognition for having an eye for details. Being able to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements is a skill that sets you apart.
4. Gather Insights from Colleagues: Talk to others on the job to gain their input on pain points and highlights of the process. Soon, you’ll be an expert not only on the process but also on those random “when this happens, try this” scenarios. Over time, this positions you as a go-to person for insights, setting you up to be recognized as an SME in your field.
5. Share Your Work in Progress: This is a lesson I’m still learning. Get comfortable sharing your work before it’s polished. It can be uncomfortable, but it shows you’re a collaborative team member. This is all about taking the pressure off of yourself and utilizing the other brilliant minds you work with. Work smarter, not harder. Leverage your team to craft the final deliverable and take some pressure off yourself. All the execs do it, so why shouldn’t you?
In Summary
We’re all out here doing the best we can to move forward in our careers and feel good about the work we’re doing. But that doesn’t mean that, as individuals, we need to have all the answers. As a mom of three who homeschools and works full-time, I’ll be the first to say that there’s only so much space in my brain to know all the things. It’s about knowing where to focus, utilizing the resources available, and leaning on those around you. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.