INSTANT MBA: 'I Want To Be The Dumbest, Poorest, Least Successful Guy In The Room'

Today’s advice comes from John Duffy CEO of 3C Interactive via The NYT:

“One thing that is critical for me, and critical for the people in our business to be successful, is being coachable...that has to do with having the attitude that I’m there because I want to get better. I could have gone to a team where I could have been the best player. That has zero appeal for me.”

In his 25 years of entrepreneurialism, Duffy says one of the most important leadership lesson he's learned is that being the least intelligent person in the room isn't a bad thing. Instead, what’s most important is being able to take instruction and learn from those around you. Combining that quality with a positive attitude and desire to improve will help you succeed even if you are the underdog.

“I want to be the dumbest, poorest, least successful guy in the room so I can learn what I have to do. I’ve always felt that way.”

Want your business advice featured in Instant MBA? Submit your tips to tipoftheday@businessinsider.com. Be sure to include your name, your job title, and a photo of yourself in your email.



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