Intelligence is overrated.
That is what Houston Mayor Bill White told 51 Honors College students Oct. 6 while speaking on leadership and public service.
White, who spoke at this semester's second Honors College Roundtable, stressed that leadership is not about having good ideas or grades.
"Ideas are a dime a dozen," White said. "It's those people who can organize things and get them done that have leadership skills."
White was quick to point out that solid grades are an indication of someone's drive to succeed, but the importance of a college education is to teach students how to be lifelong learners.
"A curious mind will take you places," White added.
White reflected on three leadership principles he learned once he completed his undergraduate education at Harvard University. These principles include: trustworthiness and responsibility, competency and learning to respect and pay attention to people.
Citing the workplace as a laboratory for developing these principles, White said, "Reliability means doing what you say you will do, which is an aspect of trustworthiness"
White said that competency, his second principle, is based on the belief that people must be competent if they are to be reliable and trustworthy.
The mayor advised students to figure out what it takes to be the best in their careers, and then learn those things in order to be competent. White further explained that developing a habit of learning brings competency and success in all areas of life.
White concluded by telling students they should learn to treat people with respect and be interested in them.
"People will push you to succeed if you are curious about them and want to learn about them," White said.
The mayor spoke at the eighth Honors College Roundtable - monthly activities where Honors College students meet and listen to leaders in the local, national and international communities.
Last year's Roundtables included visits from Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, British Consul-General Paul Lynch and Houston Chronicle Sports Editor Carlton Thompson, BA '92.
Dr. Robert Stacey, dean of the Honors College, said White was initially invited to speak to the Honors College in December 2008.
Stacey added he is happy that Dr. David Capes, former interim dean of the Honors College, was able to set the event up with the assistance of Karen Francies, administrative assistant to the dean.
Frank Michel, communications director for the City of Houston, said it is hard to find time on the mayor's schedule because he has a full-time job running the city and his senatorial campaign.
"That he would make time for the Honors College shows how much he cares about students at the University," Michel added.
Stacey agreed and said the mayor was very generous for spending so much time with students.
Stacey added the speech was practical and about life rather than politics.
Sophomore Madeline Schrader, Honors College student and president of the Honors Congress, said it was nice to hear from a politician who does not sound like a politician.
Freshman Tamara Mathew, Honors College student, said the event was enlightening.
"It taught me a lot," Mathew said. "I'm definitely going to put those qualities to use."
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