Passionate curiosity trumps IQ
Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Intellectual curiosity, the passion to grow and to learn, can actually help to develop intelligence and ability. Dr. Carol S. Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, who has researched development, motivation, and personality for decades, tells how those with a “growth mindset” are able to increase their talent, ability and even intelligence. Her research shows that these traits are not fixed, but can be developed and cultivated. With a growth mindset, mistakes and struggles are opportunities to learn and evolve. Conversely, a “fixed mindset”, the belief that our personal endowments are fixed and that native ability cannot be changed, actually limits our growth. A growth mindset doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is the same or that anyone can be Einstein, but it does mean that almost anyone can become smarter if they work at it.
Adopting a growth mindset can begin a transformation. When mistakes are used by leaders and teams as learning opportunities and not judged negatively, this can serve as a foundation for achievement. When leaders set the example of continuous learning for themselves, they enhance the total environment for learning. A culture of learning becomes part of the fabric of the organization and the organization will prosper through everyone’s disciplined commitment to personal and organizational growth.
Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence (described as IQ and EQ) are qualities that help us manage complexity. They can be further developed if you are open to developing them and disciplined in their pursuit. Complex environments are overflowing with information, creating more demand for the cognitive and psychological skill to navigate this complexity. A higher IQ enables faster learning and problem solving. Even intelligence can be developed through disciplined perseverance in learning new things. Neurological research shows that anatomical changes occur in the brain when we learn something new. Additional neural pathways are created and the brain network becomes better integrated.
EQ involves the ability to recognize, manage, and express emotion. A mindset of openness to continuous learning can improve these skills as well. Growth in interpersonal skills allows for better navigation through increasing complexity and enhances leadership abilities to create stronger and more trusting interactions. Learning from mistakes allows people to take smart risks to advance themselves and their organizations. They can be more entrepreneurial, proactive and able to exploit opportunities. Increased EQ is also associated with less stress and anxiety.
As New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman aptly reports, “The winners won’t just be those with more I.Q. They will those with more P.Q. (passion quotient) and C.Q. (curiosity quotient) to leverage all the new digital tools to not just find a job, but to invent one or reinvent one, and to not just learn but to relearn for a lifetime”. Einstein’s observation to be passionately curious will serve us well.
