Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Of Howard Gardner’s eight distinct intelligences, how many do you use daily?  How can you tell?

Interestingly,  intelligences are developed and expressed in specific tasks within each discipline. Unlike learning styles, which express people’s preferences for learning in one way or another,  multiple intelligences all exist within each person, in varying degrees.

How many of Gardner’s multiple intelligences are valued where you work?

• Mathematical-logical intelligence shows up in scientific or mathematical ability, in the capacity to discern logical or numerical patterns, and in the ability to handle long chains of reasoning.

• Verbal-linguistic intelligence includes speaking; poetic or journalistic ability; sensitivity to the sounds, rhythms, and meanings of words; and understanding the various functions of language.

• Musical-rhythmic intelligence includes the ability to compose music and play an instrument; the ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch, and timbre; and the appreciation of various forms of musical expressiveness.

• Visual-spatial intelligence includes navigator’s and sculptor’s abilities and the capacity to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately.

• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence includes the ability to dance and engage in athletics, the ability to control one’s body movements, and the ability to handle objects skillfully.

• Interpersonal intelligence includes the capacity to discern and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivations, and desires of other people.

• Intrapersonal intelligence includes accurate self-knowledge, access to one’s feelings and the ability to discriminate among them, and the ability to draw on one’s feelings to direct behavior.

• Naturalistic intelligence includes an ability to draw on patterns and designs in nature in order to solve real-world problems.

Emotional intelligence, which is included in the intrapersonal domain, provides learners and leaders with an ability to understand and use their intelligences as tools for progress. Along with Howard Gardner, Daniel   Goleman inspires aware that emotions are too often ignored in current circles.

Emotional Intelligence, according to Goleman,  shows the need to recognize strengths and weaknesses in one’s emotions in order to regulate feelings, understand and work with others’ emotions, and show empathy for others. Could this improve communications where you work?

A new look at intelligences is helping people at successful organization, to develop the ability to motivate themselves, regulate their moods, control impulses, and empathize with others. What do you think?