""يحتاج الأشخاص الأذكياء إلى أحمق لقيادتهم.""

Ever heard the saying that smart folks sometimes need someone less clever to steer the ship? It sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it? Here’s why that makes a whole lot of sense.

The heart of the idea is pretty simple. Intelligent people, with their complex thoughts and deep analyses, can sometimes overthink things. They might get tangled up in details or second-guess every possible outcome. A "fool" — and I use that term loosely — can cut through the noise. They’re not bogged down by the same level of scrutiny and can often see the straightforward path that others miss. It’s about clarity and decisiveness, not necessarily IQ points.

Think back to ancient times. There’s a notion that this idea might trace to the court jester in medieval kingdoms. The jester, often seen as a fool, had the unique position of speaking truths that others couldn’t. Kings and queens, despite their wisdom and counsel, sometimes relied on these jesters to shine a light on simple truths or to burst the bubble of overcomplicated plots. The jester could lead by revealing what was right in front of everyone’s eyes but hidden by layers of pomp and circumstance.

Picture a busy tech start-up. Everyone's neck-deep in developing the next revolutionary app. The team is filled with PhDs in computer science, top-tier engineers, and brilliant designers. Yet, their product isn't gaining traction. They spend hours debating algorithm optimizations or the latest UX trends. Then there’s Kevin, the guy who started in customer support and doesn't have a fancy degree. Kevin says, "Why don’t we just ask our users what they want?" It's so simple it’s genius. And guess what? It works. The team, in all their brilliance, missed the forest for the trees, while Kevin’s straightforward approach steered them right.

So how do you actually use this wisdom? First, recognize the value in simplicity. Sometimes the most straightforward answer is the best one. Be open to perspectives from those who might not have the same expertise — they might see something you don’t. Don’t dismiss ideas just because they come from someone with less formal education or experience. They might be the Kevin in your story.

Let me tell you about Susan. She worked in marketing at a big firm, and her team was tasked with launching a new product. The room was packed with strategists, data analysts, and senior marketers. They had charts, metrics, and complex strategies. But Susan? She just asked, "But what do our customers really want?" It was almost too simple. Her question spurred them to conduct a basic survey—something no one had thought necessary. The feedback was golden. They pivoted their campaign based on this new, clear direction and it became one of their most successful launches ever.

So next time you’re caught up in complexity, remember the value of a fresh, uncomplicated perspective. Embrace the “fool” in your midst. Sometimes, they’re the ones who see the obvious solutions hidden in plain sight.