Multiple Intelligences in the Workplace
“Across business sectors and functions, the full range of intelligences should be employed.” Howard Gardner, Intelligence Reframed, 1999.
The multiple intelligences are the brain’s built-in power tools. These are the essential cognitive strategies that we use to make things, solve problems and provide valuable services. An organization operates at peek efficiency when each member is able to engage his or her strengths fully into the task.
A team functions like a wagon wheel when each spoke is properly attached to the hub and is firmly supported by the rim. A wheel rolls smoothly when each spoke can play its role and is respected for its unique strength and contribution to the whole. A skilled wheelwright knows his materials and shapes the wheel to do the job. She knows where and when to place the grease and the correct size and placement of each spoke. The driver holds the reins while guiding the team over rough terrain ever ready to shift gears, make repairs and take necessary detours towards the next destination. The team leader studies the maps, selects the best combination of wheels, drivers, materials and nutrition to sustain the team on the long haul into the future.
The gift of multiple intelligences is the capacity to describe those invisible forces of the mind that contribute to high performance, effectiveness, goal achievement and learning. According to Howard Gardner there are at least three general ways that we can use our MI tools to maximize business performance:
1- learning from experience
2- building a team community to enhance performance
3- leadership that is firm yet flexible.
To learn more about Gardner’s thoughts on the implications of MI theory to business click here.
From these general ideas flow a myriad of day-to-day practical applications of the MI perspective to business tasks and considerations. Among these are recruitment, operations, strategic planning, communications, goal-setting, compensation, HR and executive planning.
The MIDAS Profile
“You provided me with the details of their lives but I ignored them and we have all suffered the consequences.” Executive Director of a government agency reflecting on MIDAS Profiles
Accomplishing vital business tasks is facilitated when we have an accurate profile of the MI strengths and weaknesses of all our associates and team members. The Multiple Intelligences Development Assessment Scales (MIDAS™) were designed to provide a “rich and descriptive understanding of person’s intellectual and creative life.” The MIDAS has been used in professional education, on-the-job training, selection, HR and leadership development. See clients list below.
Dr. Shearer delivers talks to business groups of any size, conducts skills-oriented seminars and offers coaching / consulting to assist organizations and individuals to achieve their goals.
> Presentation topics and titles.
> Seminar content.
> Coaching and consulting.
Clients List (partial)
> Intelligence Forecasting Inc.
> Nationwide (UK)
> Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio
> Phoenix School of Law, Phoenix, Arizona
> Marsh Saldana
> Westernbank
> Casco Construction
> Pfizer, Inc.
> Insurance Commission of Puerto Rico
> Banco Popular, San Juan, PR
> Vernet Inc. – Virtual Education Resources Network
> Waterford Institute of Technology: School of Nursing
> Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
> Mayaguez Medical Center
> Manatí Medical Center
> DHL, Inc.
