The four types of intelligence and their role in business

Some people tend to define the intelligence of a person based on their IQ. However, intelligence is a complex concept that can be understood and measured in different ways. According to psychologists, there most common types of intelligence are four. Let us take a closer look:

IQ (Intelligence Quotient): IQ is a measure of cognitive abilities and is often used as an indicator of general intelligence. According to Charles Spearman, who first described the existence of general intelligence in 1904, and the followers of this theory, intelligence can be measured and expressed by a single number, such as IQ. The IQ typically involves standardized tests that measure a person’s abilities in areas such as logic, math, language, memory, and spatial reasoning.

EQ (Emotional Quotient): The concept of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), projected in contrast to IQ, came into the spotlight in the mid-1990s. EQ measures a person’s ability to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. People with high EQ are typically good at recognizing and regulating their own emotions, and, consequently, empathize with others. This makes them special in communicating effectively and building strong relationships.

Similarly, business leaders who lack emotional intelligence could result in lower employee engagement and a higher turnover rate. “The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence,” psychologist Daniel Goleman has earlier told Harvard Business Review.

Tips to boost your EQ:

While it has been suggested that EQ is an inborn characteristic, most studies say emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened over time. Here are some steps you can take to boost your emotional intelligence:

• Practice self-awareness: Take time to reflect on your emotions and their impact on your thoughts and actions. Consider keeping a journal to record your feelings and how you respond to different situations. In the business setting, a manager who is self-aware and recognizes the impact of their emotions on their decisions is likely to make more efficient decisions.
• Practice active listening: This can help you develop empathy and understand the perspectives and feelings of others. For example, a business leader who actively listens to their team members is more likely to understand their needs and concerns, and to build a more productive work environment.
• Practice mindfulness: This can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and negative emotions. For example, in the business setting, practicing emotional regulation can make you more likely to remain calm in any challenging situations that arise.
• Work on your communication skills: This includes also non-verbal communication.
• Learn from feedback: Seek out feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism.

3. SQ (Social Quotient): SQ describes the ability to understand and navigate social situations effectively, which is an important aspect of personal and professional success. So, this type of intelligence is more visible in social surroundings. Socially intelligent persons are able to communicate efficiently with various people, so they can adapt easily to different social roles.

Tips to boost your SQ:

• Observe social dynamics: Pay attention to the nonverbal cues around you. Observe how people interact with each other and try to understand the underlying emotions and motivations behind their behavior. If you sense that someone of your colleagues is uncomfortable or disengaged, take the time to address their concerns and build rapport.
• Practice active listening: When meeting with a client or colleague, give them your full attention and show that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say. This helps to build rapport and strengthens your relationships.
• Work on effective communication: When giving a presentation or leading a team meeting, focus on clear and assertive communication. Use nonverbal cues to reinforce your message and be sure to listen actively to feedback and questions from your audience.
• Build relationships: Take the time to build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients. This may involve after-work social activities, regular check-ins, or simply taking the time to get to know each other on a personal level. Building positive relationships can greatly enhance your social intelligence and overall success in the workplace.
• Cultivate empathy: When working with a team, try to understand the perspectives and feelings of your colleagues. This will help to build a positive work environment and resolve conflicts more effectively.

4. AQ (Adversity Quotient): AQ is a measure of a person’s ability to adapt and adjust to new situations, challenges, and environments. It involves the ability to be flexible, resourceful, and resilient, and to respond to change with creativity. People with high AQ are typically able to handle uncertainty, and they are able to quickly adapt to new situations.

Tips to boost your AQ:

• Embrace challenges: Business leaders who embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth are likely to lead their teams through difficult times with more resilience.
• Practice self-reflection: A business owner who regularly reflects on their decisions and actions can identify areas for improvement and make more informed choices in the future.
• Build a support network: When focusing on building a strong network of supportive colleagues, you are more likely to receive help when you need it, which can increase your ability to handle adversity.
• Work on a growth mindset: A business that cultivates a culture of continuous learning and growth is more likely to adapt and succeed in the face of adversity.
•  Practice self-care: People who prioritize self-care are likely to have the energy and focus to handle challenging situations and make effective decisions.

It is worth noting that these types of intelligence are neither mutually exclusive nor exhaustive. While a high IQ is certainly helpful in life, it is not the be-all and end-all. Each one plays an important role in success. Actually, people with high IQ can end up being employed by people of high EQ and SQ despite having an average IQ.

According to a report issued by Deloitte in 2017, in the following 10 years, 2/3 of all the jobs would be soft-skills intensive (and shipping makes no exception). This is why it is always critical for every individual to keep working on the development of all four quotients as part of personal growth.