Dell CEO Michael Dell once shared a simple leadership lesson that continues to resonate years later: surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Speaking at the University of Texas in 2003, Dell encouraged students to seek out talented people instead of trying to be the smartest person in every room. “Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people … or find a different room,” Dell said during his address. He explained that learning from others is one of the most important parts of personal and professional growth. “In professional circles it’s called networking. In organizations it’s called team building. And in life it’s called family, friends, and community,” Michael Dell continued.Dell said that success is built through strong relationships rather than individual achievement alone. “We are all gifts to each other, and my own growth as a leader has shown me again and again that the most rewarding experiences come from my relationships.”
Here’s the excerpt from Michael Dell’s 2003 speech at University of Texas
“Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people … or find a different room. In professional circles it’s called networking. In organizations it’s called team building. And in life it’s called family, friends, and community. We are all gifts to each other, and my own growth as a leader has shown me again and again that the most rewarding experiences come from my relationships.”
What Michael Dell’s quote means
Michael Dell’s quote reflects a leadership philosophy that values collaboration over competition. Instead of surrounding themselves with people who simply agree with them, leaders can benefit from working with individuals who bring different skills, ideas and experiences.Dell’s advice also echoes a common principle followed by many successful business leaders: hiring talented people and giving them the freedom to contribute often leads to stronger teams and better decisions.
