For some reason, humans believe that we need to measure one type of intelligence in schools – IQ. Sure there are social emotional components in K-12, but EQ doesn’t rank as high. Test scores are fairly one-dimensional when it comes to rote memorization. In fact, we don’t have enough critical thinking and creativity in positions of political influence, however we seem to have plenty in the tech world and innovative world that drive our economies forward.
So knowing what we know about some of the best and brightest minds, why do we still believe that EQ and social intelligence are exceptions to the rule, and not the rule?
Take Jobs, Branson, Musk, Gates, Bezos – they’ve all been mavericks and creative thinkers. Yet I wonder now after the election if they are valued more for how much money they made, over how much they’ve changed the way we behave and think.
It would explain the brain drain on our education system. Our collective society acts as if it values privilege over nurturing all minds to be brilliant. At least that’s what the U.S. lawmakers are telling us through their actions.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: Think about what levels of intelligence you value in others. Do you value your friend for their insights and intuition? Do you respect the friend who has a mind like a trap? Or maybe you enjoy colleagues who are empathetic and brilliant at achieving a high-functioning group dynamic? What about you? What levels of intelligence do you value in yourself?
Be kind. Be safe. Be appropriate. Now go!
Comments are closed.