Some good wisdom in these old samurai books:

Shower praise on one’s lord though he may be reticent and mediocre, and ensure that he can execute his duties without blundering. This will help cultivate his confidence. If he is an unyielding or intelligent leader, it is an act of “great loyalty” to be a thorn in his side to the extent that, before implementing his designs, he respects you enough to contemplate “What would my pesky retainer think?” Without such retainers, the lord will pay no attention to his men, thinking that his domain is full of panderers who cajole him to gain favor. He will then become conceited.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai

So

If someone is a dunce, treat them as though they were intelligent to get the best out of them.

If someone is intelligent, treat them as though they were a dunce to get the most out of them.

Would you agree?