Most people are aware that IQ is a measurement for intelligence, and many also know that EQ is a measure of emotional intelligence. How many of you have heard of PQ, physical intelligence, or SQ, spiritual intelligence? Well, if you haven’t, don’t worry; I’ll explain each one of these as well as how they relate to being a mindful leader and cultivating a healthy work environment.
We’ll begin with IQ, simply because it’s a sort of foundation to the rest of these quotients. Many of us have a continuous desire to learn, and in doing so, we constantly expand our knowledge and experiences on purpose. The more we know, the more we can apply that knowledge throughout our lives and keep growing as people.
Next is PQ or physical intelligence. This refers to realizing the mind/body connection and being able to listen to your body’s needs and wants while also discerning the difference between those needs and wants. It also refers to being able to read others’ body language.
EQ or emotional intelligence is an integral part of being a leader. EQ refers not only to being an emotionally healthy individual and knowing how to handle whatever emotions may come up in any given situation; it also refers to being able to perceive others’ moods without necessarily speaking to them.
Last but not least is SQ: spiritual intelligence. Spiritual intelligence is largely consistent of being compassionate as well as wise. Understanding the bigger picture as well as accepting differing world views are some traits of a person with high SQ. An awareness of different perceptions helps in the decision-making process by offering a broader point of view and illuminating the best course of action for the most people involved.
So, how do these various types of intellect affect your work environment? When this type of knowledge is used properly, it can benefit everyone involved and make the entire workplace more relaxed and motivated. If you’re aware of all of these types of intellect, then you probably have all four of them naturally honed already. For best results, keep learning and practicing whatever activities help you to enhance these four Q’s.
How to Grow Your Q’s
There are some practical ways to enhance your knowledge in each of these areas, most of which involve inner work more than anything else. Here are some things that you can do to enhance each of these areas of your intellect.
SQ: Practice meditation, yoga, and martial arts, and learn about spirituality, enlightenment, and various belief systems, cultures, and religions to expand your awareness and open your mind. If you can, visit other countries to experience the cultures firsthand.
EQ: If you’re naturally an empath, you may have some challenges managing your emotional balance and health. However, you also have the potential to be incredibly effective and powerful in your leadership, so be mindful of your emotional state. Practice mindfulness in each moment of each day so that you can master your emotions and focus on reading others. Make sure you do everything in your power to achieve a natural state of emotional wellbeing through exercise, nutrition, and positive habits.
PQ: Practice listening to your body and what it needs. If you’re hungry, eat something healthy. If you’re thirsty, drink some water. If you have the urge to clean or go for a hike, listen to it. Your body will usually tell you what it needs through aches, pains, cravings, and so on, so be mindful of what your physical body is telling you.
IQ: Be a lifelong student. Learn any topic that draws you in and interests you, and keep learning. Master as many areas of expertise as you can.
As always, continue leading mindfully!
For more information on the Mindfulness Movement and mindful leadership, please visit:
http://executivecoachinguniversity.com/mindfulness-movement
Need some help with your mindfulness practice? The Mindful Moments can certainly help!
You can find it on Amazon.
