The Three Q’s of Business Success… IQ, EQ and KQ

Intelligent Business

When you hear the word ‘intelligence’ what do you think of?

Most of us associate the word intelligence with the mind’s ability, and with things like academic performance or the grasp of complex knowledge. The dictionary defines intelligence as the power of learning, understanding and reasoning, and describes intelligence primarily as a mental ability.

But recent developments in the field of business psychology have expanded the notion of intelligence from a purely thinking-based capacity to include our feelings and emotional understanding of the organizational functioning. Emotional intelligence is now widely recognized as central to better managing professional relationships, and increasing productivity.

Reason and logic alone are not adequate in negotiating the many complexities of business relationships.

In this article we will take a closer look at three kinds of intelligence that we can draw from in developing and improving business performance. Along with mental and emotional intelligence we will explore a third and often overlooked form of intelligence. Our body’s intelligence, or what is known as kinaesthetic intelligence, is a third kind of knowing that we will take a closer look at.

What we will also discover is that we tend to use one of the three intelligences more than others, often neglecting the other two to some degree. This doesn’t mean that we can’t and don’t access all three types of intelligence, but often our “intelligence preferences” tends to shape the strengths and talents of our personalities. When we neglect one or more of the intelligences available to us, this can limit performance and development.

But what is the benefit of recognizing all three kinds of intelligence in your business dealings?

Well, think for a moment of your personality, your business, your personal relationships or any other human system. Each of these systems operates from a particular configuration of mental, emotional, and kinaesthetic intelligence. When this configuration is imbalanced, problems arise. For instance, when you bring an over-emphasis on thinking and rational logic to your love relationship, this may limit you in forming a close emotional connection. Or when you over-analyse (only to paralyze) your decision-making in a business deal, your instincts or a gut feeling may be a useful resource in moving your negotiations forward.

KQ of Business Success – Kinaesthetic Intelligence

Even though we have access to all three types of intelligence, we rely on one of them more than the other two. Our personalities and approach to business are shaped around the intelligence center we use most often. So, one person’s energy may be more focused on mental analysis, while another person’s energy goes mostly towards connecting with others on a feeling/relational level.

But let’s begin with a deeper look at those individuals who have high access to or preference for their kinaesthetic intelligence or KQ.

People with high access to their KQ tend to perceive and experience the world more through their bodies, their physical sensations, and their vital instincts. Our instincts are a type of knowledge that is not often recognized and appreciated in business dealings. And yet, we do experience ourselves physically in relation to others and the world. Our KQ is a source of energy and power to act in the physical world with purpose and intent. These individuals often speak of basing their decisions and actions on a gut-feeling even when they have thought a situation through in much detail. Rather than relying on emotions or rational analysis, these individuals sense instinctively and often quite immediately when a situation is right or wrong, safe or dangerous, desirable or undesirable.

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