As an intern, I was expecting to get experience that would teach me that people with more experience are smarter than I am – and it has, to some extent. More than that, I’ve learned to have confidence in my own ideas.
I have a tendency to rely heavily on the advice of those I trust, and to place more confidence in the ideas of others than in my own. I’m having to learn that it’s okay to disagree with someone who “should” be more intelligent than you are if you are truly convinced that you’ve arrived at your conclusion the right way.
And I don’t think I’m alone. My advice is this: trust your mentors, your supervisors, your friends, your parents, your investors, your customers, the author of the book you’re reading, your pastor, and your professors – but know how to stand your ground if you really believe you’ve got the right idea, and don’t just give up because they have better credentials.
Of course, don’t take that advice if you still disagree with me. You might be right.
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