conv: I am impressed by leaders who know it's best to surround themselves with people who are smarter/better/more experienced than themselves in some areas. I LOVE when leaders know that it actually *helps* them to be surrounded by strong people -- people they can learn from_comma_ that challenge them_comma_ and that in some ways could be considered "better". I agree_comma_ its always nice to have people around you who are smarter in some areas It's just too many leaders want "yes men" and/or people who feel non-threatening. It's a trap and a quick path to mediocrity_comma_ if not failure! Yes men are definitely a bad idea when it comes to life and business