You will develop the full potential of your intelligence - Reason 22

By observation, there are three main components that compose what normally we define as intelligence: memory, synthesis and analysis.  That is, a very intelligent person will have an incredible memory, he or she will be able to gather information and give a meaning and context to it.

There is no scientific consensus on how to develop intelligence, but it is observed that mental exercise and stimulation coming from the need of the moment encourage this.  The point is you can develop intelligence, as much as you want, although for a normal person that is crushed by routine and a life without creativity.

It is not about the intelligence borne out of schooling, but that capacity we all have as humans to figure out our way in this world.

A leader will quickly gather all information needed, reflect, reach a conclusion and then act.  This encourages creativity whilst at the same time provides structure and focus so that everyone’s energy is best directed.

Over and above, a leader will be able to reach a point where solutions can be found and it will serve as lessons to learn and as a means of self-motivation.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Types of intelligence

In the present state of the world, which kind of intelligence can bring real success?

To answer that, you can of course refer to Gardner's work with his brilliant research for many years on the topic of multiple intelligences. Or, if you don't want to go into the academic model that much, you can refer to Goleman's work - Goleman did not research as much as Gardner, but has picked the one intelligence he found the most importante: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

Decades later after Goleman's results being published in his best-seller Emotional Intelligence, the world got quite used to the term. People talk about that, there are courses and seminars to develop it and lots of money flow to consultants' pockets who take advantage of that particular need.

But, is it still the main intelligence required? In practical terms, E.I. should influence some key areas of organisations worldwide:

• Team work.
• Sales.
• Leadership for managers.
• And many others.

However, if we think practically, the reality is that consulting is still working with teams, sales are still hiring training, managers still look like they require LOTS of leadership and etc.

It is not that it did not work, but things change and time has passed by. Now, another kind of intelligence is needed.

I would dare to say that what people need more and more is Spiritual Intelligence. Just like one of the early definitions of Emotional Intelligence was the capacity of managing your own emotions and connect to others' emotions, we could say that Spiritual Intelligence is basically the capacity of managing your own spirituality and connect to others' spirituality.

Why is Spiritual Intelligence so important? Because the issues of modern life seems far deeper than emotions. If we think organisations are like icebergs, Goleman was succesful to point beneath the waterline, but now that is not enough, you have to reach its base.

We will talk about spirituality in the work environment later.

Take care yourself!

As a consultant and coach, I help organisations to embrace its people' spirituality.