What is Spiritual Intelligence?
Contrary to its name, spiritual intelligence doesn't always imply a theological or religious bias to its study and practice. It's true definition is more intangible, especially as it relates to the working world we live in. While there are many definitions for Spiritual Intelligence, often referred to as SQ, the one we prefer using on this site and in our workshops comes directly from the author and developer of the SQ21 Assessment...
Spiritual Intelligence is the ability to behave with wisdom and compassion while maintaining inner and outer peace regardless of the situation."
- Cindy Wigglesworth
How is the Notion of Spiritual intelligence Related to Effective Leadership Behavior?
We are in the habit of thinking of intelligence solely in terms of mental acuity and rational thinking. However, over the past few decades a number of different types of intelligence have been identified in addition to the commonly accepted definition, the cognitive, describing "how smart you are."
A recently identified skill set now includes Spiritual Intelligence to the list. Spiritual Intelligence, or SQ, represents our moral and ethical behavior; it is like a internal GPS system that guides our behavior whether dealing with our work, or our building relationships with others. You can begin to see how important it is for anyone in a leadership capacity, to want to develop this intelligence in order to enhance their effectiveness and achieve better results and better relationships with those they are leading.
All of us have the capacity to be Spiritually Intelligent, our success in doing so depends on our level of commitment. Like every other intelligence, it takes a clear understanding of "what it is" and how one can access and develop it. Cindy Wigglesworth, who after over a decade of research and validation studies created the SQ21 Assessment that identifies 21 behavioral skills related to Spiritual Intelligence. These skills can be further developed in a practical way, taking the mystery out of "spiritual" and making it more practical and achievable. This assessment serves as the foundation of our workshops and our Spiritual Intelligence coaching practice.
By understanding and cultivating these 21 Skills, and more skills may be identified in the future, you can greatly enhance your overall leadership behavior. Most contemporary leadership theory focuses on task accomplishment, interpersonal relationships and teamwork skills with very few to date that focuses on the Complete set of Skills for the Spiritually Intelligent Leader, one who is prepared to meet the ever changing challenges of the 21st century. A leader for this century knows that to be truly effective and successful, they will need to "tap into" their SQ skills, as well!
