Bosses that are 'too smart' viewed as less competent

Whilst most would assume that CEOs and bosses have high levels of intelligence, new research has found that being ‘too smart’ can hold leaders back.

According to research, there is an optimal level of intelligence for a leader and if they go above it, they lose the respect of their employees.

When the IQ gap between a boss and their employees exceeds by around 18 points, they begin rating their boss as less competent – The Times reports.

Dr John Antonakis, of University of Lausanne, who conducted the study comments: “The idea is you need to be smarter than the people you are leading. You also need to be smart enough to keep rivals at bay. But you mustn’t be so smart that they can’t understand you.”