My goal as a mediation and conflict resolution specialist is to share what I know and learn constantly. Here we name and describe seven key intelligences for better collaboration in any field.
Listening IQ: The Foundation of Learning
I have found active listening to be the number one skill across the board. Suspending our own judgment and not offering our opinion or advice can be hard work. To actively listen, we must quiet the doer and the talker within, and pay 100 percent attention to what another person is saying, feeling, and behaving. Genuine empathy is the payoff for genuine caring and careful listening. In order to listen, we ask open-ended questions that give another person space and time to create something we may not have heard before, a message that uniquely formulated to this moment in time – like an essay exam, rather than a rote fill-in-the blank response. If we listen carefully to a long-winded response to our open-ended question, we can show we are listening by paraphrasing what we have heard and building on what they say with something fresh in our own words.
If we have Listening IQ, we are required by our own intelligence to let down our guard – our defenses – and truly hear others.
Listening IQ means focusing 100 percent on the present moment, and are not formulating a response while they speak. We pay very close attention to what people say, but even more importantly to how they feel. We watch tone of voice, notice body language, and interpret the mood of the moment. We are able to catch unspoken concerns and hidden meanings. Good listeners spot problems early and prevent misunderstandings. Good listeners are able to build trust because they are “all in” and they share a common understanding quickly. Listening IQ is not in-born, and it can be taught and learned and improved with lessons and practice. Above all, Listening IQ moves us from simply waiting to speak and dominate to actively absorbing information and serving.
Emotional IQ: Connecting with Others
Emotional intelligence is generally thought of as being aware of your emotions, recognizing them, and staying calm. However, it is more than your own emotions. It is also about recognizing the emotions in others and being able to work with the other party. This may mean de-escalating the situation, focusing on how you feel, and how you can help the other party and the situation. What could you do to make the situation better?
Emotional intelligence lets you handle feelings and stress. You stay calm under pressure and read others’ emotions. This skill helps in high-stakes meetings or tight deadlines. You can comfort overwhelmed teammates and ease tense talks. Spotting others’ stress means you can offer support when needed. Teams with strong emotional intelligence resolve conflicts and build lasting bonds.
Conversational IQ: Meaningful Exchanges
Judith Glasser’s book on Conversational Intelligence offers real insights on why we need it, how to raise your conversational awareness, and how you can get to the next level to improve your conversational intelligence. Being transparent, building relationships, understanding others, sharing successes, and telling the truth build trust and understanding
Conversational intelligence makes discussions clear and productive. It’s more than just talking. It means asking good questions and adapting your language. Tailor your words for different audiences. Invite honest feedback and make people feel safe to share. Skilled conversationalists keep meetings on track and clear up confusion quickly. They ensure every voice matters in the dialogue.
Social IQ: Building Bridges
Cultural differences are both a potential barrier and an opportunity. Approaching differences as an opportunity allows you to pause, recognize the differences, research, and take actions to ensure understanding and promote goodwill. By being positive, warm, and understanding, it is possible to initiate efforts to develop a better understanding
Social intelligence helps you read social cues and group dynamics. It’s vital when working with diverse teams and clients. You adjust your behavior for each setting. You create rapport and trust with people from many backgrounds. This skill boosts networking and persuasion. Teams with strong social intelligence feel more connected and work more smoothly together.
Spiritual IQ: Shared Values/Shared Purpose
Focusing on shared values is a way to break down barriers and move towards a conversation and a relationship. Exploring your common values can go a long way towards overcoming even the most severe conflicts or disputes. When parties can agree on shared values, they can work towards a solution that each can live with going forward.
Spiritual intelligence adds value and ethics to collaboration. It gives teams a shared purpose beyond goals. In stressful jobs, values guide decisions. Acting with integrity builds trust and respect. Teams united by shared ethics work with fair play and honesty. This deeper connection fuels meaningful and lasting teamwork.
Management IQ: Building Teams
Knowing your strengths and capitalizing on them is a way to enhance your skills. StrengthsFinder from Gallup can help you explore your strengths and ways to use them more effectively.
Interpersonal intelligence lets you bond and empathize with others. It means understanding feelings and needs. You notice each person’s strengths and weaknesses. You speak with care and respect. This skill helps resolve conflicts and build team spirit. Teams with strong interpersonal intelligence feel supported and motivated to excel.
Leadership IQ: Fueling Innovation
I offer a free course through CPA Academy on Creative Thinking and Creative Problem Solving. It is a popular course with an overall rating of 4.7 on a 5.0 scale. Based on neuroscience, I can share with you that we all can be creative. Unfortunately, many of us have had our creativity stifled by pressures to conform, not rock the boat, and stay in line. It is essential to give yourself and others a chance to offer their ideas and recognize them for taking the opportunity to share.
Creative intelligence sparks new ideas and solutions. It means thinking outside the box and testing new paths. It encourages risk-taking and imagination. Teams that value creativity welcome unique perspectives without judgment. They turn diverse ideas into breakthrough solutions. Creative intelligence makes problem-solving more dynamic and effective.
Conclusion
Specialized knowledge is essential, yet soft skills are vital. Listening, emotional, conversational, social, spiritual, interpersonal, and creative intelligences shape teamwork success. Each skill builds better communication, trust, and innovation. By practicing these intelligences, professionals collaborate more effectively and achieve stronger results. Investing in these skills ensures future growth for individuals and teams in our interconnected world.
If you want to learn more about my publications on collaboration, conflict resolution, or enhancing your servant manager skills, which focus on leading by serving and understanding the needs of your team members, feel free to reach out.