You may recall learning at some point in your educational endeavors about the 7 types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. There are 3 new types of intelligence that are gaining traction among boards of directors: emotional intelligence, mindfulness intelligence, and adversity intelligence. They go hand in hand with other core board member knowledge, including the interrelationship between strategy and governance, the connection between goals and tasks, and how individual values reflect the organizational culture.
Whether you are a seasoned board director, just obtained your first board seat, or are just starting to think about getting involved on a board, demonstrating emotional, mindfulness, and adversity intelligence through your board documents, board interviews, and board participation will be paramount to your success. Showcasing the following capabilities will demonstrate your ability to bring balance and maturity to a board of directors.
3 Types of Intelligence Required for a Board of Directors Position
- EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE is your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. In the world of board directors, this equates to how an individual works with executives, gains buy-in from other board members, and de-escalates tense situations. An emotionally intelligent board director is self-aware and can self-regulate and empathize.
- MINDFULNESS INTELLIGENCE is how you decide how to behave in the present moment. In practice, this is evident in your ability to be sensitive to your impact on others and how that awareness changes or refines your responses. A mindfully intelligent board director is open to change and can adapt their behavior and communication style to their audience and environment.
- ADVERSITY INTELLIGENCE is how you respond to difficult situations or your emotional capacity for overcoming hardship. In the boardroom, this means making hard decisions, tactfully communicating sensitive information, and weathering uncertainty, ambiguity, and complexity. A board director with high adversity intelligence can withstand challenges and maintain a level perspective on unexpected events.
To find out how we can help you infuse your board resume with emotional, mindfulness, and adversity intelligence, book a complimentary and confidential call with us here.
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