In an article I wrote a while ago, 'Characteristics of Gifted Individuals', I mentioned a number of common character traits of gifted individuals. I’ll analyze these traits in depth as we seek to understand why they scorn authority. By doing this, I’m not trying to justify their behavior but instead I’m laying a platform of understanding from where gifted individuals and their non-gifted figures of authority can grow healthy and value-based relationships.
One of the characteristics I mentioned in the said article and which forms the basis of this article is that gifted people ‘question rules and authority’. The two most common responses of gifted individuals to authority are; either offering counter opinions and/or rebelling. Either way, their responses are considered inappropriate and earn them sour relationships with their parents/guardians, elders, teachers, bosses etc. Below is the analysis of their characteristics that will help us understand why they question rules and authority/ scorn authority;
- They have strong moral convictions; a strong sense of right and wrong above the average person. Hence they may correct or rebel against authority that is indifferent or negligent on moral issues.
- They easily connect unrelated issues hence they can foresee outcomes before they occur. Those in authority may fail to equal their level of insight. In such cases, gifted subjects may refuse to engage in activities whose outcome is predictably unfavorable and vice versa.
- They’re highly independent and non-conformists. As a result, they follow procedures and adapt processes only if they’re well-founded and effective. Non-understanding authority may consider such behavior as rebellious, and may opt to discipline them thereby severing the relationship.
- They are highly inquisitive, always seeking to dig into the root of issues. Authority may interpret such behavior as distrust and arrogance leading to sour relationships between them and their gifted subjects.
- They fear failure and humiliation, which is sparked by their deep quest for perfection. For this reason, they’re likely to shun some responsibilities due to fear of failing to reach perfection and to safeguard themselves from potential humiliation they’ll do things their way, thereby downplaying authority.
- They treat all opinions equally – whether from higher authority or same level colleagues. Due to their strong sense of right and wrong coupled with their quest for justice they may point out truths that could embarrass authority. Non-gifted authority may misinterpret this behavior as disrespect and consider taking disciplinary measures against their gifted subjects thereby brewing sour relationships.
- They are thoughtful and have rich imagination; they find pleasure in intellectually stimulating activities and discussions. For this reason, they’re likely to undermine authority that does not engage them at a complex level, considering it boring and shallow-brained.
- They have intense passion for interests characterized by high degree of commitment, persistence and perseverance. Therefore, they’re likely to rebel from authority that limits, forbids or discourages them from engaging in/ pursuing their interests.
- Their ability to spot inconsistencies quickly, may land them in trouble with authority that does not tolerate correction. If this persists, they may lose confidence in authority and become rebellious.
- They’re fast thinkers and possess excellent problem-solving skills hence may look down on authority that does not appreciate their input or is indecisive on matters they already have solutions to.
- They’re visionary, passionate, highly-driven, energetic and highly-organized hence they may despise authority that lacks vision, is sluggish/lazy and grossly disorganized.
- They have good memory – possess large storage of information; often, a gifted individual pass as a know-it-all. Due to this reason, they’re likely to undermine dictatorial authority that’s not well-informed.
Exploiting their ability to steer them in the right direction
Now, as indicated on the first point, gifted individuals possess strong moral convictions: they have strong will-power to stick to what is right and to fight against what is wrong. Given that they form a mere 2% of the entire population; chances are authorities are majorly constituted of non-gifted people. It therefore means that the degree of inequality between the abilities of gifted individuals and those placed in authority over them is gross. Pushed by their strong convictions of right and wrong in the face of gross inconsistencies, they’re likely to overlook some basics of moral uprightness like submission to authority, especially if they have not received proper guidance from someone who understands their unique qualities. It’s the lack of proper comprehension of this basic principle, which turns some gifted individuals into hardcore rebels in schools, at home, at the work place and in society at large. For instance, in school, some gifted students are always brewing mischief and some even get expelled, especially those that fall under the category of ‘Gifted but Learning Disabled’, while some of their adult counterparts turn into perennial under-performers, social misfits, and regular jail-cellers.
However, with proper guidance and counseling especially at the formative stages of life, the quality of ‘strong moral convictions’ can be developed to their advantage – by incorporating and prioritizing submission to authority. Training gifted individuals to place the principle of ‘submission to authority’ above other ‘right or wrong convictions’ can be very effective. All you need to do is convince them why it is necessary to submit to authority, because again as I mentioned earlier, they’re non-conformists and will accept a truth only if it’s well-founded. And the good news is, once they’re convinced it’s right to submit to authority, they’ll be so good at it, they will outdo any average person. But remember, the objective is not to change them, but to equip them for well-rounded and fruitful lives.
Why is it necessary to submit to authority? – Advice for gifted individuals.
Authority refers to someone who has the right of directing someone else and playing certain roles on their behalf. In essence, a person in authority has a mandate to look after your well-being in a defined aspect. For instance, when a child is born, he/she is placed in the care of parents or guardians who’re mandated to raise/nurture the child until such a time when they can look after themselves. Part of the nurturing is taking the child to school under the care of teachers, who train and prepare the kid for a self-reliant life. Upon graduation from school, they join the workforce, where they work under supervisors who coordinate the workflow for objective-oriented execution of duties. In religious institutions, there are religious leaders who are responsible for providing spiritual nourishment to the faithfuls. Communities have elders, who are charged with the responsibility of providing counsel and guidance to members of those communities for good co-existence. Governments are responsible for providing services to citizens, protecting their lives, securing justice etc.
It’s therefore fair and ethical to submit to those whom you benefit from their guidance, nurturance, protection etc. Practically speaking, there is no perfect human being; hence those in authority are bound to have flaws. Again, if we consider the entire population, geniuses are like a drop in the ocean; so it’s inevitable to have a non-gifted (parent, guardian, teacher, clergy, supervisor, administrator etc.) And even if we were all created geniuses, we would still have a few imperfections. To see the reasoning behind the need of submitting to authority, assume you’re stripped off your giftedness and ask yourself this question – ‘how would you feel if you’re the one in authority and your subject(s) treat or perceive you as incapable of exercising authority over them?’ I suppose your answer is close to mine – (I would feel disrespected and unappreciated). To sum it up; in adherence to morality/ethics, gifted individuals ought to submit to authority however the level of ability of those yielding that authority.
Note: Good leadership is that which is sensitive to the diversity of its subjects. In the event you’re subject to non-understanding figures of authority, learn to communicate/reason with them in a respectful and rational manner. To create awareness of your unique traits among those who yield authority over you, print this list of ‘Characteristics of Gifted Individuals’ and drop it accidentally in a place where they can easily spot it. The objective of doing this is to reassure them you’re just acting natural and not trying to outwit them. However, always remember you have a moral mandate to respect and submit to authority. Upholding moral uprightness has long-term benefits, which run through generations; and as a popular quote goes “what goes around, comes around.” Do have an insightful life.
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