Uncover Your Type of Human Intelligence: 5 Unique Strengths for Personal Strategy

Human intelligence is a cognitive attribute encompassing the capacity to acquire knowledge through experience, adapt to novel circumstances, grasp abstract concepts, and employ acquired knowledge to navigate and manipulate one’s surroundings. Traditionally, people evaluate themselves with IQ (intelligence quotient). However, as scientific understanding progresses, multiple forms of intellect have come to light.

Please note that in the second module of our Personal Strategic Planning course, we will have a dedicated lesson on various types of intelligence assessment.

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To get the most out of this reading, we recommend taking a quick self-assessment. This will help you apply the new knowledge more effectively and achieve better results.

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5. Strategium Intelligence Quotient - your new benchmark.

Mental Intellect: Exploring the Depths of Intellectual Abilities

Most people are familiar with IQ, the concept commonly known as mental intellect. This type of intelligence captures a person’s ability to learn from experience, comprehend abstract concepts, and apply knowledge. It encompasses various cognitive skills such as problem-solving, numerical proficiency, and critical thinking. I can’t help but remind you about strategic IQ as well, in case you haven’t tested it yet.

However, human intelligence extends beyond the realms of cognitive abilities. In addition to mental or cognitive intelligence, researchers have identified other dimensions that shape our intellectual makeup. Two prominent dimensions are social and emotional intelligence, which play a vital role in our interactions with people and in understanding and managing our emotions.

Mastering the Power of Emotional Human Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses a range of skills and abilities that enable individuals to recognize, understand, and navigate emotions effectively. It goes beyond mere academic knowledge of psychology, instead focusing on the practical application of this understanding in interpersonal interactions.

Emotional intelligence involves various facets that shape our psychological communication and interpersonal dynamics. It is deeply rooted in human qualities such as our values, goals, desires, and accumulated personal experiences. Additionally, it encompasses the ability to manage one’s behavior, empathize with others, and exhibit traits and characteristics that foster healthy interpersonal connections.

Developing emotional intelligence requires a willingness to explore and understand oneself. It is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-awareness. By cultivating emotional human intelligence, individuals can harness the power of their emotions, adapt to different environments, and achieve their goals more effectively.

Social Intelligence: Unlocking Success through Understanding Others

Social intelligence is a remarkable ability that allows individuals to comprehend and identify social roles while adapting and flexibly navigating them in various aspects of life. It is a skill that develops through personal experiences and learning from triumphs and setbacks in social settings.

Whether a child or an adult, a teacher or a student, a supervisor or a subordinate, each role carries its unique characteristics and set of rules. Sometimes, individuals have the autonomy to define their roles, while at other times, they must conform to predefined roles established by others.

A person with high social intelligence possesses the capability to effectively influence the roles of others, a quality known as social influence. With elevated social intelligence, one can exert a significant impact on others and wield considerable social power.

Marshall Goldsmith’s book, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful!”, supports this notion with a compelling quote:

As you ascend to higher positions in the corporate hierarchy, interpersonal skills become increasingly crucial. Your ability (or lack thereof) to collaborate with people becomes more apparent as you climb the ladder. Sometimes, your ability to work with people harmoniously determines your promotion.

Consider the following scenario: When selecting a Chief Financial Officer, would you choose a moderately qualified accountant who excels in productive relationships with colleagues from other firms and can manage highly skilled individuals? Or would you opt for a brilliantly talented specialist who, regrettably, struggles to establish rapport with coworkers and demotivates capable subordinates?

The answer is clear. We prefer candidates who can effectively collaborate, primarily because they can leverage the employees’ expertise. On the other hand, the prospects for the exceptional specialist are uncertain in this regard.

Spiritual Human Intelligence: Aligning Values and Purpose for Personal Success

Spiritual intelligence represents an individual’s profound capacity to embrace a purpose-driven life fueled by self-understanding, a strong conscience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human values. It directly reflects the harmony between one’s inner world, personality, and inner wholeness.

Within the realm of personal strategy, spiritual intelligence plays a pivotal role. It is a barometer of how well our actions align with our core values, goals, desires, and beliefs.

If our strategy deviates from our intrinsic values, the chances of successful implementation diminish significantly. We find ourselves consciously or subconsciously seeking avenues to evade it. Spiritual intelligence reveals the congruity of our lives with our aspirations and abilities and encompasses the capacity to make choices based on our values and steadfastly adhere to them.

Moreover, spiritual intelligence guides our comprehension of life’s meaning, enabling us to discover our purpose and find our rightful place in the world. In one of the upcoming lessons, we will delve into the Japanese concept of Ikigai, where you will discover how your spiritual intelligence empowers you to unearth and actualize your Ikigai, your unique sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Physical Intelligence: Unveiling the Hidden Power of Your Body

Physical intelligence encompasses the innate intelligence residing within the human body—the intuitive wisdom embedded in every tissue and organ. It represents an individual’s capacity to master and regulate bodily functions and desires. This form of intelligence tends to heighten among individuals who engage in sports and prioritize learning and improving body control.

An ambitious personal strategy is impossible without realizing the significance of nurturing all facets of human intelligence. Physical intelligence not only enhances athletic performance but also contributes to overall well-being and resilience. By gaining a deeper understanding of our body’s signals and needs, we can make informed decisions that support our health and vitality, which in turn fuels our mental and emotional capacities. Cultivating physical intelligence enables us to maintain the energy and discipline required to pursue our goals, ensuring a harmonious integration of body and mind.

In our classes, we will conduct assessments to gauge our proficiency across various human intelligence domains. These evaluations will provide a comprehensive view of our strengths and areas for growth, guiding us in crafting a balanced personal strategy that leverages all dimensions of intelligence. Through targeted exercises and activities, we will explore ways to enhance our physical intelligence, empowering us to lead more dynamic and fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

This article is derived from a lesson in our Personal Strategy Course, where we delve into the critical role of various types of human intelligence in crafting effective personal strategies. In this lesson, we’ve examined the diverse dimensions of intelligence: Mental Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, and Physical Intelligence. Each dimension offers unique pathways to enhance both your personal and professional life.

Reflecting on these dimensions, the course challenges you to identify which type of intelligence best complements your personal strategy. Whether you lean towards the analytical strength of Mental Intelligence or the empathetic depth of Emotional Intelligence, honing in on your core intelligence can profoundly influence your life, relationships, and accomplishments.

Developing these intelligences requires introspection and dedication. By focusing on your chosen dimension, you can cultivate a more balanced and effective personal strategy that aligns with your aspirations. The course also encourages you to anticipate potential challenges and devise strategies to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Within our comprehensive personal strategy workshop, you’ll have the chance to assess different types of human intelligence, offering a deeper insight into your unique profile. We invite you to continue this enriching journey by enrolling in our course. Here, you’ll discover a wealth of resources and lessons dedicated to personal planning and achieving success. Join us in unlocking the full potential of your intelligence and strategizing for a successful future.