I’ve worked in a Fortune 500 for 30+ years and I’ve seen so many “Self Proclaimed” geniuses come and go despite their having countless degrees, many with PhD’s, Masters, or Engineering certifications. Most have been purged one way or another, whether it was a poor work ethic, or inability to handle the stressors that come with the various jobs in a huge fast paced company. I have to say those who impressed me the Most, had no sheep skin to hang on the wall. In one case I know of it was due to circumstances beyond their control. This one young lady had to drop out of college to take care of her sick Father, while continuing to out perform others in the office. One of the smartest, yet humble, people I’ve ever met. She’s been there 25+years and I’m happy to see her get recognized and while I’ve been there longer, she is now my Manager. Another is a Co-Founder of our company. Not 1 day of College under his belt, but the asset he brought to the table was his ability as a Leader. He is never a Boss, someone to tell others what to do and then later critique it. He Leads by example and helps others to do their jobs, always asking, “How can WE do this better?” I see him go to lunch with guys from the Warehouse, maybe a Financial Auditor the next day, and a secretary the day after. I love to see folks I met when they started in the mailroom and work through college at night to climb the ladder to top positions in our company.
The point I’d like to make is that having multiple degrees only tells part of a person’s story. Many times I’ve found highly educated people to be emotionally bankrupt and have a broken moral compass. There are SO MANY other factors that define us a great people.
Unfortunately, some spend decades here on Earth and never learn this.... I pray anyone who reads this does.