FEBRUARY 10, 2023
This week’s Elevator Guy remarks are Part II of a two-part series on the different theories of intelligence. (Please read last week’s remarks before you attempt to figure out this week’s remarks.) Harvard professor Howard Gardner points out that IQ doesn’t tell the complete story about someone’s full range of potential. See if you relate to any of the final types of intelligences:
- Musical Intelligence: Can you clap to the beat and sing in tune? (Are you listening?) If you can, you might have a decent musical intelligence. People with above average musical intelligence can recognize tones and hear patterns in songs. Obviously, they would be drawn to music. Both listening, participating, and creating. Can you find the rhythm when a song is playing. Do you beat your hands on the dashboard of your car or tap your feet. Are you able to match the pitch of a musical note? Do you enjoy listening to or playing music? Would your friends describe you as musical? If not, you had better be “Lip-sinking” at Church. (Actually God loves a joyful singer which doesn’t require any talent except to “Catch the Spirit.”)
- Interpersonal Intelligence: Interpersonal intelligence is, not surprisingly, about interpersonal social skills. If someone is empathetic and good at understanding other people’s intentions and emotions, they probably have a high interpersonal intelligence. People with this intelligence excel at group work and keeping the peace in organizations. They’re good relators, excellent communicators, and sensitive to the needs of others. They are also able to see other people’s perspectives in an objective manner. Are you the peacemaker of the group or just a trouble-maker? Would you describe yourself as empathetic? Are you able to figure out what people’s body language means? Do you tend to know what other people are thinking or feeling without having to ask? Are you good with other people’s emotions? Introverts can do this too if you are just more intentional.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence: This is self-awareness and one of our key objectives of this workbook. Intrapersonal intelligence is all about how well someone is at reflecting on and being aware of their own mental state at any given time. These are the philosophers and daydreamers. Do you spend time daydreaming? (I hope so) Would people describe you as reflective? Do you know what you’re feeling when you’re feeling it? (What is your it?) Have people described you as being self-aware? Being self-aware is critical in “Knowing Thyself.”
- Naturalistic Intelligence: People high in naturalistic intelligence are nature lovers. They are sensitive to slight changes in their environment and gravitate to exploring nature and examining flora and fauna. (And don’t call me Flora) Do you enjoy spending time in nature? Do you notice subtle changes in the environment or are you oblivious to what is going on around you? Does being in nature make you feel better? Go take in God’s beautiful creation and enjoy the day outdoors.
- Pedagogical Intelligence: These are effortless teachers and developers. People who can instruct, facilitate, and convey information to others have excellent pedagogical intelligence. It’s one thing to understand a topic. But it’s a very different skillset to be able to help other people understand that same topic who have no interest or desire to understand. (“You can’t lead a horse to water that doesn’t want to drink”) Do you enjoy teaching people? Are you good at conveying (Communication) information to others? Good teachers are also good listeners, mentors, friends, and developers.
Final thoughts: When you are done thinking about which types of intelligence you’re better at, take time to think about what other people are good at, because when we use theories like multiple intelligences and learning styles to navigate life and help other people look good, it makes society in general, look a whole lot better. Be like Steven Covey and practice “The 8th Habit.” First, find your own voice. Then help others find theirs. It is the right thing to do.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” Mark Twain