But what if the smartest person in the room isn’t the right fit?

When it comes to hiring, there’s a natural inclination to gravitate toward the person with the most impressive resume, the highest qualifications, or the sharpest intellect. After all, who wouldn’t want the smartest person in the room on their team? But as many leaders have discovered, the most intelligent candidate doesn’t always make the best hire.

Why? Because in the workplace, success is about more than intelligence or credentials. It’s about how someone integrates into the team, contributes to the culture, and drives results. In fact, prioritizing IQ or degrees over interpersonal traits and mindset can sometimes be detrimental to your team’s performance and morale.

Here’s the thing:

Skills can be learned. Technical expertise and specific knowledge are teachable, especially when someone is motivated to learn. Hiring for the right mindset is far more impactful in the long term than hiring for technical skills alone.

Degrees don’t guarantee impact. While education might open doors, it’s the ability to execute, adapt, and lead that truly drives success. Titles and credentials mean little if they don’t translate into real-world results.

This is where Chris Donnelly’s hiring philosophy hits the nail on the head. It’s not about hiring the smartest person—it’s about hiring the right person. Here are his key principles:

Hire people who:

1️⃣ Get things done → Results > credentials

Actions speak louder than words. A stellar degree or glowing references won’t matter if a person can’t deliver tangible outcomes. Look for candidates who are doers—people with a track record of execution and problem-solving.

2️⃣ Avoid drama → Harmony > ego

Drama, egos, and unnecessary conflict can poison team dynamics. People who approach challenges with grace, avoid gossip, and prioritize solutions over blame foster a more productive and collaborative environment.

3️⃣ Build trust → Trust drives teams forward

Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Without it, even the most skilled individual can destabilize the group. Hire people who are honest, reliable, and authentic in their interactions.

4️⃣ Laugh together → Connection beats tension

Work can be intense, but shared laughter and lighthearted moments strengthen team bonds. People who bring positivity and connection, rather than tension, elevate morale and foster a better working culture.

5️⃣ Want to grow → Growth is the backbone of success

Teams thrive on adaptability. Hire people who are eager to learn, evolve, and contribute. Growth-minded individuals don’t just improve themselves—they also drive innovation and inspire their peers.

Beyond the basics: What else should you look for?

While these traits are critical, there are additional qualities that set apart truly impactful hires. Here’s what I’d add to the list:

↳ People who challenge respectfully → Innovation thrives in debate, not conformity

A great team doesn’t just follow orders—it questions, explores, and innovates. Look for people who respectfully challenge ideas, propose better solutions, and engage in constructive debates. It’s this dynamic exchange that drives progress.

↳ People who admit mistakes → Accountability builds trust

No one is perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. What matters is how someone handles them. People who own their errors, learn from them, and make amends create an environment where accountability is the norm—and trust flourishes.

↳ People who elevate others → A true leader grows the team, not just themselves

Self-serving individuals might shine in the short term, but they hold teams back in the long run. Instead, hire people who celebrate their colleagues’ wins, mentor others, and amplify the strengths of those around them.

Why this mindset matters

A team full of high-IQ individuals sounds great on paper, but in reality, it can lead to dysfunction if those individuals lack collaboration, humility, or emotional intelligence. Intelligence without empathy can create silos. Credentials without execution lead to stagnation.

The most successful teams are built on balance. They consist of people who can adapt, connect, and deliver—traits that often matter more than being the “smartest person in the room.”

The takeaway: Hiring for impact over intelligence

So, next time you’re hiring, ask yourself:

Is this person the right fit for the team—not just the smartest one in the room?

Evaluate their ability to:

• Contribute meaningfully to the team.

• Build trust and foster positive relationships.

• Solve problems with creativity and resilience.

• Focus on collective success over personal gain.

Because at the end of the day, the smartest person in the room might not be the one who makes your team thrive. It’s the person who connects, adapts, and brings out the best in everyone around them.

Create teams that don’t just work—they thrive. Build something extraordinary together.