In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
Its very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When Im in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.
The most intelligent person is very often not the most influential. I mean formally.
But people feel the intellectual superiority subconsciously. That's why people often look at this person when they speak, they are looking for his approval.
Often the smartest person speaks least of all.