Integral Intelligence®
Our work is based in our proprietary methodology, Integral Intelligence which focuses on whole person learning and is grounded in transformative learning, Integral Coaching®, action learning and appreciative inquiry. Our approach helps leaders build their capacity to capacity to leverage strengths and capitalize on multiple aspects of leadership intelligence – cognitive, relational, emotional, somatic and spiritual – in ways that enhance satisfaction, effectiveness and the attainment of the leader’s and the organization’s next level of success.
By developing these five dimensions of intelligence to a deeper level, leaders are able to become more resilient, inspirational, present, authentic, courageous, creative, generative and accountable.
Integral Intelligence also assumes an appreciative stance to leadership, a belief that positive focus enhances leadership capability and improves business results.
Dimensions of Integral Intelligence
The Wisdom of the Mind
Brainpower. Intellect. Rationality. Includes effective decision-making, strategic thinking, appropriate use of inquiry and advocacy, business acumen, functional knowledge, assessing risks, analyzing, synthesizing, and seeing and acting on opportunities. Asking generative questions that create deep change in others. Flexibility in thinking; planning for contingencies.
The Wisdom of the Heart
Awareness. Attentiveness. Includes connection to feelings and the feelings of others, managing mood and recognizing how your mood influences others. Ability to assess the moods of others and respond appropriately. Using self-awareness to influence the way you interact with others. Maintaining centered energy regardless of circumstances.
The Wisdom of Engagement
Social acumen. Collaboration. Appreciation. Includes interacting with others with dignity and respect. Fostering trust. Maintaining curiosity around other viewpoints. Bringing out the best in others. Listening deeply and interacting in meaningful conversations. Balancing personal needs with the good of the relationship. Credibility and consistency in behavior in interactions with others. Building community.
The Wisdom of the Body
Sensation. Self-care. Grounding. Cultivating awareness of your body’s early warning system. Using sensory cues to inform behavior. Reading and responding to others’ body language. Restoring energy through self-care. Embodying leadership intention in physical stance. Attending to how your intentions as a leader are reflected in physical stance.
The Wisdom of Connection
Essence. Aspiration. Purpose. Includes caring for the world outside your immediate concerns with empathy and compassion. Having the courage to act on intuition. Asking what the world wants from you, and making that contribution. Living a life that honors your deepest values. Leaving the world a better place.
As leaders develop integral intelligence, they become more:
Authentic: Able to model genuineness and transparency in a way that fosters trust and invites openness from others.
Appreciative: Able to see possibilities, build from strengths, and accelerate positive energy.
Present: Able to listen and engage in conversations and interactions with others so they feel valued and respected.
Courageous: Able to take risks that lead to expansion and growth while being accountable for the results of one’s actions.
Generative: Able to ask powerful questions and to catalyze insight, creativity and action in others
Inspirational: Able to set a vision, stimulate, motivate and encourage others to aspire to achieve personal and/or collective goals.
Resilient: Able to maintain high energy levels, to stay centered in the midst of conflict, and bounce back quickly from stressful situations or defeat.
Why Integral Intelligence is Critical for Leadership Success
Integral Intelligence provides leverage for critical decision-making, expands a leader’s repertoire of choices and creates the energy and resilience necessary to successfully address the complexity of an ever-changing, interconnected world. Recent leadership theory has reinforced the need for emotional and social intelligence in leaders. Integral Intelligence takes the next step in developing critical intelligences in leaders for the 21st century.
Integral Intelligence:
- Broadens the context for leadership and opens the possibility for greater contribution.
- Satisfies the yearning to lead in a way that unleashes personal, team and organizational creativity and potential.
- Develops greater authenticity in all settings, leading to deeper engagement in work and life.
- Enhances leadership bench strength.
- Develops individual leaders and creates more cohesive teams.