“The key is to keep company with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth the best.”  ~ Epictetus

You can be smart and successful, but you’ll only rise so high until you adopt the habit of exchanging information. Ben Franklin (the ultimate personal development guy) understood this when he formed the “Junto”. 

Franklin came from poverty, had run away from home and sought to not just find a way to exist, but to thrive and prosper. A key part of his solution was the Junto – an organization of others with the same goal. They traded books, exchanged information, discussed philosophies for success, and encouraged each other. The people I notice that have topped out insist on being the smartest in the room. Their egos won’t let them learn from others. Arrogance is unflattering, discourages friendships, and ultimately undermines success.

Bottom line: No one is that smart. We can all learn from each other. Be willing to give information that helps others and be prepared to accept their contribution as well. 

“Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea.”  ~ Jim Rohn