Why the success of your business depends on multiple intelligences

Intelligence is one of the most talked about subjects in psychology and despite this, there is no one definition of what intelligence is.  

Howard Gardner, an American developmental psychologist is renowned for his theory of multiple intelligences. As human beings we have several different ways of processing information, and these ways are interconnected to one another. 

Unlike the standard intelligence theory which typically only measures a person's IQ, Gardner has identified eight intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.  

Linguistic Intelligence deals with sensitivity to the spoken and written language, ability to learn languages, and capacity to use language to accomplish goals. 

If like William Shakespeare and Oprah Winfrey you too can analyse information and create excellent speeches and books, enjoy reading, writing and debating and can use humour to tell a narrative, then you will have a high linguistic intelligence.  

Logical-mathematical intelligence refers to our ability to think logically, reason, and identify connections. People with mathematical intelligence, such as Albert Einstein, excel at working with numbers, complex ideas, and scientific investigations.  

If like the world-famous Beethoven or Ed Sheeran you have skills in performance, composition and have an appreciation of musical patterns as well as the ability to recognise and create musical pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone then you would be categorised by Gardner as having a high level of musical intelligence. 

Spatial intelligence has been defined as the ability to generate, retain, retrieve, and transform well-structured visual images. It's what we do when we visualise shapes in our “mind's eye.” It's the mental task that architects and engineers perform when they design buildings. 

Athletes such as Usain Bolt, actors such as George Clooney or Footballers like David Beckham who have the ability to control their body movements and handle objects skillfully, under Gardners matrix would be known has having high levels of bodily/kinesthetic intelligence.  

Interpersonal intelligence refers to our ability to understand and relate to other people. People with interpersonal intelligence, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Cesar Chavez, can pick up on the feelings, mood, motivation, and intentions of those around them with great ease. 

If you are incredibly aware of your own emotions, feelings and motivations, enjoy self-reflection and day-dreaming as well as exploring relationships with others and assessing your personal strengths, you are deemed to have high intrapersonal intelligence. 

The final of Gardners eight intelligences is Naturalistic intelligence, which refers to a person’s interest in the “natural” world of animals, plants, and the nature around them. Individuals with naturalist intelligence have a sensitivity to and appreciation for nature. If you think you could be the next David Attenborough, then you must have a high level of naturalistic intelligence. 

Nurturing your employees’ intelligence for success 

Multiple intelligences theory states that every human being has all eight intelligences at varying degrees of proficiency and an individual’s learning style is unrelated to the areas in which they are the most intelligent. 

For example, someone with mathematical intelligence such as your Accountant may not necessarily be as confident reading or writing like your Marketing Manager or HR Director.  

Research shows that employees are more engaged and work most efficiently when they are given numerous ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, which is a huge benefit to the workplace as well as their individual personal development.  

Utilising Gardners theory in the workplace will cultivate minds, leaving you with an extremely intelligent workforce that will have the capability to increase your business’ productivity, service, profit margin and overall employee satisfaction. 

It is vital for business’ who want to grow and expand to be open minded to new ways of uncovering and developing their employees' skills and abilities.  

Why Academic Intelligence is not enough 

When selecting the right candidate for a role, all too often business owners and decision makers place the utmost importance on educational accolades such a which university was attended, the modules studied, and the mark achieved. 

Whilst some businesses will undoubtedly succeed, others will struggle with a variety of issues ultimately making business much more difficult, including low staff morale, high staff turnover, increased levels of absence and a cloud of unrest hanging over employees.  

If you want to achieve high level success, become a forward-thinking, highly skilled and innovative business you must ensure that you select your employees based on a variety of areas, not solely educational achievement, and this is what Gardner places his eight intelligent personalities upon achieving.  

When you do this, you will notice that staff feel valued. They will work to the best of their ability, take pride in their work, and build you an ‘enduring business.’ 

If you are a business owner and leader who is committed to building a greater enduring company and make greater decisions, inspire greater thinking, and achieve greater performance then please contact our Chair Alan: alan@alchemistsforum.com