Hello everyone, Hanna here.
In dealing with another person, it may become evident that he or she is "slow" or, for whatever reason, just doesn't "get" what you are trying to convey. If you decide he or she is less intelligent, here are some guidelines for dealing with people you think are "dummies."
⌘ Adjust your attitude if need be. Some people are contemptuous of others they deem less intelligent. As with beauty, intelligence is not an accomplishment. Just be thankful that those smarter than you are smart enough to know that you're no dummy.
⌘ Keep things in perspective. Intelligence, or the appearance of intelligence, is not the most important measure of a person. It's how you use your mind that matters. Many high-achievers don't seem all that smart, or have a lot of "book learning".
⌘ Make sure you are not the problem. It's a mistake to assume someone is less intelligent simply because he or she doesn't seem to understand your request or direction. The problem might be how you communicate.
⌘ Try different ways of explaining things. Some people are interested in the main points, the big picture, before they get the details. Others might not care about the big picture and respond better to a detailed explanation of all the steps and procedures, the if/then scenarios, and so on.
⌘ Dealing with "dummies" comes up frequently in the workplace, when training someone new. You've explained something several times. Why doesn't he or she get it? Is this person stupid? The person you are training might end up ahead of you in the pecking order, perhaps even be your boss someday, so it pays to be kind and considerate to anyone, even someone who seems like a "dummy."
⌘ If you have to train people at work, try reading a book on training.
⌘ Don't confuse knowledge with intelligence. Don't take it personally if a person doesn't know something you feel they should know.
⌘ Don't write off people who seem like dummies. As you get to know someone, you may discover that a seemingly "not so swift" person is amazingly knowledgeable in some area. Supposedly handicapped people, those with speech impediments for example, may seem like dummies but are likely to be more capable than you in some ways.
⌘ Don't actually tell them that you think they are not intelligent, or you risk offending them.
⌘ People who don't use computers a lot may seem like dummies. But guess what — the president of your company might not know how to turn on a computer. She has people to do that for her.
⌘ Don't talk to a person as if they are a child. They will pick up on this quickly and may react negatively.
And these are all the tips I have for dealing with less intelligent people. Hope you guys don't hate this tip.
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