Feeling stupid

[Anonymous]

How do you deal with feeling stupid? I was trusted with out of the blue input on something entirely out of my field, it was meant as a compliment/trust in my judgement. I was literally put on the spot with no time to think. The person who asked me basically told me my suggestion was ridiculous for x, y and z reason. It made me cry after (via zoom so they didn't see). I hate this sort of feeling. It doesn't happen often but makes me feel like absolute garbage for a couple days, like it's a stink I cannot shake off and I am ashamed. Do you feel that way or never?

[Anonymous]

I used to worry about this kind of thing more. Now I am further on in my career it doesn’t worry me at all. I see people saying stupid things in meetings all the time. Occasionally I say stupid things myself. It happens. The purpose of meetings is to discuss ideas and get closer to the truth or find a good way to proceed. It is only if you make a habit of it- and don’t ever say good things- that you should worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to worry about this kind of thing more. Now I am further on in my career it doesn’t worry me at all. I see people saying stupid things in meetings all the time. Occasionally I say stupid things myself. It happens. The purpose of meetings is to discuss ideas and get closer to the truth or find a good way to proceed. It is only if you make a habit of it- and don’t ever say good things- that you should worry.

This. I know it’s hard not to take it personally. So many aspects of my job are stupid and thus I just try to keep in mind that everyone is going to feel it sometimes.

Plus, no one will remember this after a few days. On to the next thing. 😊

[Anonymous]

I assure you that you are not stupid. We are our own worst enemies. If anything, the person who called your response ridiculous in front of others looks like an insensitive idiot. That’s what others are more likely to remember if they even remember the interaction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I assure you that you are not stupid. We are our own worst enemies. If anything, the person who called your response ridiculous in front of others looks like an insensitive idiot. That’s what others are more likely to remember if they even remember the interaction.

This.

[Anonymous]

Whoever put you on the spot is tan A$$. You are not stupid OP! But learn from it. Prepare a future response that starts with ‘your question is entirely outside my area of expertise…..’

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to worry about this kind of thing more. Now I am further on in my career it doesn’t worry me at all. I see people saying stupid things in meetings all the time. Occasionally I say stupid things myself. It happens. The purpose of meetings is to discuss ideas and get closer to the truth or find a good way to proceed. It is only if you make a habit of it- and don’t ever say good things- that you should worry.

+1 the older I get, the less I gaf. One advantage of getting older.

[Anonymous]

I would have told him not to put people on the spot in the future and also don’t be rude. It’s ok to disagree with someone but belittling is unacceptable.