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Management Journal Article hero
Management Journal Article

How to Succeed Without Being the Smartest Person in the Room

Traditionally, executives earned their positions by being the smartest people in the room. With empowered teams, that is no longer necessary—or even possible.
Abstract

Many management roles have involved defining individual tasks and even specific processes for completing them. Today, tasks that can be prescribed are more often automated. To maximize the contributions of individuals in this environment, leaders need very different management approaches than were required when tasks—and their outcomes—could be more specifically set down. In particular, companies are relying more on empowered teams, where individuals with a range of skills and experience join forces to solve customer and organizational problems and address new opportunities.

About the Author

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Jeanne W. Ross, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)

MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)

Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our consortium forms a global community that comprises more than seventy-five organizations.

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