FEBRUARY 3, 2023
(This is Part I of a Two-Part weekly remark on Intelligences)
I love the Confucius quote; “If you are the smartest man (or woman) in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” I have dealt with some very smart people in my lifetime. (I’m not very smart but I am a “Smartass”) Some people know how smart they are and some are clueless, meaning they may have other weaknesses that will prevent them from being the best version of themselves. Life is more than being smart. It is more about how you use your God given smarts to get along with others. Do you play well with others that might not have your IQ? If you happen to be blessed with a high IQ, I suggest you need to assess and become aware of the other intelligences that you may possess. Be the whole person God meant you to be. Life was not meant to compete (unless you are in a spelling bee) but rather to complete.
Harvard professor Howard Gardner introduced the world to his theory of multiple intelligences in his 1983 book; “Frames of Mind.” Simply put, the idea is, that one’s intellectual intelligence or IQ doesn’t tell the complete story about someone’s full range of potential. Therefore, Gardner proposed nine types of intelligences to more accurately measure a broader range of human strengths and abilities. Gardner’s types of intelligence are in line with what most of us have been brought up to believe….that we are all special because we all have different strengths and interests.
To better understand, I actually gave this test to a few of you in our organization and asked them to rate themselves 1-10 on each intelligence. Being just your average guy, your Elevator Guy has a very average IQ but look for balance in my life with my other intelligences. I grew up being a high “Feeler” and have improved my IQ (in my mind) by intentionally becoming a better “Thinker.” See how you stack up as to what other “intelligences” you might possess:
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence: VS intelligence has to do with how well someone is at maneuvering through space and visualizing things. People with high VS intelligence tend to excel at identifying patterns and interpreting charts and graphs. If you are usually the navigator and map reader of your squad, you just might have high VS intelligence. Most of us men think we have this intelligence and are a bit stubborn if someone tells us otherwise. Do you have a good sense of direction?
- Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence: LV intelligence is all about words. We’re talking great readers, writers, and speakers. Generally, if someone can tell a good story and memorize words quickly, they have high LV intelligence. Are you a good writer? Are you a voracious (How do you like that word?) reader? Can you explain yourself easily to others? Are you good at communication? Try being someone that tells the truth so that you don’t have to worry about all of the lies you have been telling yourself and others.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence; LM intelligence is about logical problem-solving and number sense. People with high logical-mathematical intelligence would obviously be great at solving math problems along with strong conceptual thinkers like scientists and mathematicians. Are you good at math? Do you like brainteasers? Don’t be like some attorney’s I know that, when you ask them; “What is 2+2? They say; “What do you want it to be?”
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence; BK intelligence is how well people can move through space. If you have high BK intelligence, you have excellent control of your body and superb body awareness. Meaning you know what you body is doing at any given time. People with this intelligence might excel at sports and dancing and have good hand-eye coordination. Do you enjoy sports and/or dancing? Are you able to move your body in the way your brain wants? (Don’t count out us older folks who like to MOVE it!) Are you good at balancing and moving through space? Keep dancing so you don’t get old.
Tune in next week as we finish the “other” intelligences that just might be your top ones.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.” Socrates