Which Smart are you?

by
Sarina Sorrenti
July 12, 2019

The theory of multiple intelligences suggests there is more than one type of smart, the traditional IQ as it's known. So what type of smart are you and how can you use your natural smarts and abilities to do amazing things?

We are all smart in our own way – right? Sometimes we forget what we are naturally smart in and fall into careers where we just survive and not thrive. In the early 90s I came across Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences the theory that human beings are smart in 8 different ways. We all have the entire 8 and we all have preferences or strengths where we shine. I love helping people find their strengths and thrive not just survive and usually work with Clifton Strengths tool. The multiple intelligence theory is another lens, an easier tool to understand your intelligence strengths and then design an ideal vocation. I created this infographic that combines the characteristics of the 8 intelligences with vocations that best utilize each strength.

The Eight Intelligences

Which kind of smart are you and does your vocation allow you to be your best? One of my undergraduate degrees is accounting and at best I was an average accountant. I needed to use so much energy to get all the details right as my brain naturally doesn’t work that way. My other undergraduate degree is in marketing and that was where I thrived. As a graduate, I was lucky enough to work for an organisation that saw me and helped me move into a role where I used my stronger natural intelligence. I loved work and was very successful with less effort and better outcomes.

My combination of intelligences are kinaesthetic – love doing, moving and learning through physical movement; Interpersonal – love to talk, interact with people and verbal linguistic – love words, writing, advising and debating. The combination of those strengths are perfect for coaching, advising and facilitating – my current vocation. I make up on the kinaesthetic side through Yoga, Tai Chi, Boxing, Dancing and walking my dog. I know for myself to be my best version I like to start my day with movement which gives me energy for the whole day.

One of my current ‘getting out of my comfort zone goals’ is singing. I am close to tone deaf and musical would be one of my lowest natural intelligences. It takes so much energy and courage to sing and I am surrounded by awesome musicians who just play with such ease and flow. It is frustrating and many times I just want to give up, but on the occasion that I sing in tune, it is magical and worth the effort. I have been a little bit inventive and used one of my natural talents and adapted it for my music goal – writing lyrics and working in collaboration with talented musicians.

Do you have a ‘getting out of my comfort zone goal’ for one of your lower intelligences?

Multiple intelligences can be used for vocation design, developing high performance teams, adaptive effective communication, workplace design and of course teaching to ensure all intelligences are activated for effective learning.

If you are not sure which is your strongest intelligence, reflect on the infographic above and rank the 8 in order of which is easiest to hardest for you. Be all you can be.

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