Man, I really don't think I'm that intelligent. I'd honestly rate myself bottom 20% of intelligence amongst co-workers. How have I managed to get promoted early with top ratings??

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People who think they’re smart fall behind because they miss opportunities to learn new things, real intelligence is knowing that there’s always more to learn

likesmart

I normally wouldn't say this, but 🎏 bowl is anonymous, so what the hell, my IQ is super high, I have always been an overachiever, but at some point it starts to matter less and less... it's all about being at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons, and you know, working your ass off. I have definitely been lapped by less intelligent people who outworked me.

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You sound really thoughtful. That’s probably why. Honestly half this business is talking the talk and pretending you know more than you do

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Right place, right time, right project, and right team

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Look up imposter syndrome. At some point in time OP you were thought to be valuable enough for a promotion. You did something right. Give yourself some credit, you deserve it!

likeuplifting

OP- thanks for your honest reflection. I would anyday prefer to work with someone who is self aware and works hard/ smart rather an intelligent/arrogant a**hole

likeuplifting

I forget where I read it, but I once saw consulting described as an industry “built on insecure overachievers”. You, OP, are very much a case in point!

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Insecure overachievers - that’s the answer. Paradox is that once you count yourself into that group, you’re no longer in it

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I remain astonished that all the above is true! What we do is pretty simple. Everyone is faking it until they make it. Client are largely inept. The people that have impressed me the most senior partners who are masters of argument.

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I'm honestly pretty slow and it takes me longer to pick up on things.

likehelpful

This job isn't rocket science, even though a lot of us like to pretend it is.

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Maybe it’s those incriminating pictures you have.

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D5, it sounds more like you don't get roles because you're an asshole, not because of where you got an MBA

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agree with kpmg1. i personally am slow the first i encounter the situation or concept. but after that, it’s walk in the park for me. i feel more fulfilled in short projects

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OP - I hear ya. Started to feel that way when my colleagues all have big name schools behind them and I don’t. However I have outlasted the dozen people in my office who started the same day as me

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There was actually a study done on this in the 90s by one of the big firms. We found that grades, school, and even MBA or no MBA have little impact on long term success in Consulting. It is all about work ethic, ability to “figure things out you don’t know”, and leadership. Keep doing what you’re doing OP!

likehelpful

“The A students work for the B students, the C students run the companies, and the D students dedicate the buildings."

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^so true

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Work ethic plays into promotions more than does intelligenxd

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Because success at this job has very little to due with intelligence. There is a very low threshold, which if met, allows you to go as far as you want. What I've seen be the determining factor is confidence, hard work (but also visible), and luck.

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