The title pretty much says it all. I cannot sing the praises of working with smart people enough. There are so, so many advantages. My team at ZURB is collectively brilliant, but also individually intelligent and talented, and I reap the benefits on a daily basis. Working with smart people means:

• You learn more. Before I started as ZURB I knew only a bit about jQuery and even less about javascript. I was inspired by our engineer Matt to learn more about it...4 plugins and quite a few jQuery-powered sites later, that learning has become invaluable. This is just one example among hundreds.
• You get important, critical feedback. For me, this is true in so many ways, but especially around visual design. Getting input from a team of experienced and talented designers means my ego gets crushed a bit, but my designs and skills only get stronger each time.
• Synergy happens. It sounds cheesy, but it is absolutely true. Working with a team can create results greater than the sum of its parts. What I mean is, three designers could work on a mockup and arrive at three mediocre designs, or they could work together to create a fantastic one.
• You keep on top your game. Working with smart people means pushing yourself to be smarter and to present yourself well everyday. For me, one example of this is making sure I come across with a level of eloquence on client calls. Smart people hold you to a higher standard when you work alongside them and you don't want to disappoint. 

Working with people smarter than yourself can be challenging sometimes...or all the time...but it only helps in becoming smarter and more talented yourself. I have certainly seen the benefits of working with smart, experienced and talented folks and would struggle to work without them now.

To all of you awesome co-workers and friends I have worked with or am working with, I tip my hat to you.