The good point I think the article makes before generalizing about smart people's qualities is the fact that in many cases, such as argument, there are people who will toss some concepts, jargon or ideas without fully understanding them and because of that can look to an outsider (maybe your boss) like they won the argument.
Of course, if the other person in the conversation is really into that concept, jargon or idea he can quickly point out its flaws. But what is most likely to happen is for the other guy to have to make some effort to remember what that concept was and having to put the pieces together. When he can actually identify what was wrong in the argument, the battle will be long gone and lost.
Meanwhile the other guy may have made his opinion prevail and gain something because of it.
Of course, if the other person in the conversation is really into that concept, jargon or idea he can quickly point out its flaws. But what is most likely to happen is for the other guy to have to make some effort to remember what that concept was and having to put the pieces together. When he can actually identify what was wrong in the argument, the battle will be long gone and lost.
Meanwhile the other guy may have made his opinion prevail and gain something because of it.