What type of intelligence do I need to be successful?

Chime was very hardworking since childhood, but his parents struggled to provide for his needs through school. They could barely pay his fees and so he had no extras. He quickly learnt to do odd jobs to earn extra money to support himself through school. He started by washing cars during weekends while in secondary school. This ensured that he had transport fare and money for snacks through the following week and therefore no longer needed pocket money from his parents. It was rough but he was always smiling and learning as much as he could from the experience.

By the time he gained admission into the university, he quickly realised that there was no carwash on campus, and it was an opportunity for him to meet the need. Thankfully, his years washing cars at a carwash had familiarised him with the operations and logistics of the business. He sought permission from the office of the Dean of Students with recommendations from the Student Union executives. The University liked the idea and sought to marry his business idea with the study-work programme for indigent students on campus who would also like opportunities to work on campus for a fee. The business idea was a huge success.

Soon, he was employing 20 students working in shifts, and he was smiling to the bank. He was not only supporting himself through school, but was able to send financial support home to his parents on a consistent basis.

By the time he graduated from school, he was a seasoned entrepreneur. He started opening more branches across town, adding grills and small chops, as well as board games and providing newspapers and magazines as reading materials while his clients waited for their cars to be washed.

What is success?

Success simply means the attainment of set objectives and goals. It is therefore a subjective achievement that varies from person to person, based on their definitions and goals. It can also occur in various domains: such as personal success in individual life or family life; academic success (passing exams with distinction), career or professional success; fame and popularity; material and financial success and so on. The parameters for success also vary according to culture, as well as societal values and context. It is therefore apt, to say that success, just like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder.

Which type of intelligence is required for outstanding success?

The oldest form of intelligence that is traditionally assumed to be directly responsible for future success and attainment is the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). This type of intelligence measures your ability to grasp concepts, retain information and apply them subsequently. This allows for excellence in academic learning but it is not always correlated with future success, as measured by various parameters.

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The second form of intelligence that has gained prominence over time is Emotional Quotient (EQ). This refers to the ability to understand one’s emotions as well as those of others and deploy such understanding for improved relationships. Understanding emotions (of self and of others) and learning how to regulate and manage them is pivotal to successful relationships.

Social Quotient (SQ) is increasingly recognised as an essential leadership trait that contributes to success. This relates to our ability to build, nurture and maintain interpersonal relationships over a long period of time. It is the intentional investing of time and efforts to sustain good relationships with people and significant others.

Lastly, and perhaps the most critical aspect of intelligence is now referred to as Adversity Quotient (AQ). This was first investigated and developed by Dr Paul Stoltz and is described as a measure of our ability to withstand challenges and surmount odds to achieve success.

In the journey of life, we all deal with challenges differently. Some flourish in the face of adversity and simply push ahead and overcome all the odds and achieve spectacular success, as we see with Chime above.

However, some others simply fall apart when faced with difficult circumstances. Adversity Quotient attempts to describe the unique ability to deploy resilience, adaptability, and flexibility when confronted with challenges and difficulties. It allows us to solve problems, think critically, experience sacrifice and hard work, delay gratification and focus on the overall picture until the challenges are overcome and success is achieved.

In simple terms, Adversity Quotient speaks to our GRIT. And it is now acclaimed as arguably the single most important form of intelligence that is required for successful living in every facet of life. Personal success, academic success, family life, career success – every domain of life. The good thing is that adversity quotient can be developed and strengthened over time. Want to be truly successful and happy? Develop your adversity quotient.