Whenever we think of intelligence we normally tend to
confuse it with one’s ability to solve puzzles, mathematical problems, and
ability to analyze science problems. To make matters worse we have IQ scores
that measure one’s ability to solve a wide variety of test problems. I would
like to call this intelligence as “paper intelligence”. This type of
intelligence is hardly of any use in real life. One good attempt to classify
intelligence was by psychologist Howard Gardner’s in his Theory of multiple
intelligences in which he states that there are 9 types of intelligence.
In my view intelligence far from being a problem on paper
requires much more involvement. It requires the ability to understand
situations, have an insight into multiple contexts, capability to understand
nuances, resolve different ideas between people. Intelligence should be
accompanied by sound common sense, gumption and dollops of street smarts. In
this context I would like to propose the following types of intelligence in
people
Personal Intelligence:
This is the most basic requirement for a person. This intelligence enables a
person to understand what he needs in every point in his life and how to go
about achieving it. For e.g. a teenager would understand the importance of
learning a professional would realize the need for qualifications or an
intelligent sport person would understand the importance of consistent
practice. People with this type of intelligence would understand the need to
remain healthy and would follow an exercise regimen religiously. Having
personal intelligence we would know that we would need to save for our future.
We would prudently invest in stocks, funds or CDs to increase our net worth in
life.
Professional Intelligence:
Have you ever wondered why those with talent sometimes never reach the top of
the ladder while others who appear less talented are able to cruise to the top
of the management ladder. In my opinion this is because the latter have
something I would like to call professional intelligence. For this the person
must not only deliver but he/she must make sure that all concerned are aware of
his/her contribution. This type of intelligence requires a combination of
talent, hard work, ability to influence people and some amount of appropriate
self advertisement. Some people are endowed with this type of intelligence.
They know what wheels to turn in order to get farther in life.
Interpersonal
Intelligence: This is extremely powerful type of intelligence and very few
people have it. This intelligence requires that the person be able to weigh
each and every individual he/she comes across and be able to turn lever that
will make the other person feel important and valued. People endowed with
interpersonal intelligence will exert a lot of power. People around them
generally love to work for these types of people.
Ethical Intelligence:
This intelligence deals with the ability to weight different possibilities in a
conflict and to make appropriate choice, Ethical intelligence involves the
ability to weigh a hierarchy of values and choose what is most appropriate
under the given circumstances
Social Intelligence:
This is to some extent similar to interpersonal intelligence though it is on a
much larger scale. Social intelligence indicates a complete understanding of
how society at large operates. It requires knowledge of what is important to
the people at large. Social intelligence is being able to identify a larger
purpose in a situation influence people. These people are leaders and can start
a movement if required be.
Conclusion: Intelligence
thus has many facets to it. In most cases it requires certain perspicacity, the
ability weigh situations, understand the contextual complexity and take
decisive actions. Intelligence in real-life has little to do solving paper problems.
Intelligence involves being able to adjust oneself according to different
contexts and choose the most appropriate course of action.
