Leading with Intelligence - The Multiple Intelligences of Teams

Leading With Intelligence By Tyler Hayden BRM (OEE)

To better reach our team members leaders have long looked at personality instruments like Myers-Briggs, and we have had great results in generating management approaches based on personality profiles. Today however, we need to consider more than just personalities. We work within industries that have an employee base that have spent many years constructing who they are through years of formal education. This educational profile is the new gateway to applied leadership strategies for managers.

Write down the following eight learning styles on a sheet of paper. As you read the descriptions below jot the names of co-workers, friends and family that would have high skill in that learning domain beside those learning styles. By understanding peoples learning styles we can begin to better design training approaches, team structure, reward and recognition strategies, communication strategies, and more. Consider these eight different learning styles you'll find in your employees.



Body/Kinesthetic Learner

This intelligence indicates a well-developed sense of body control and movement while being able to handle objects skillfully. These learners express themselves well through movement. By interacting with the space around them, they are able to remember and process information. (i.e. athlete, firefighter, coach, police, dancer, actor)

Tips for Managing this person: We respond to short explanations, practicing tasks, constructing things, and setting goals. Be face-to-face with us as often as possible. We love when you champion us to actively find solutions. Let us keep "moving and doing" to keep us engaged at work. And please, be efficient with your words.



Interpersonal Learner

This intelligence indicates a keen ability to relate to and understand others. Individuals have a seemingly innate ability to see things from other people’s perspectives in order to understand how they think and feel. They often have an unprecedented ability to sense the feelings, intentions, and motivations of others. They are great organizers; although, they sometimes resort to manipulations to achieve their ends. Generally, they encourage group peace and cooperation. They use both verbal and nonverbal language to open communication channels with others. (i.e., counsellor, sales person, business person, clergy, service personnel)

Tips for Managing this person: We respond to public recognition and assignments that involve working with people. Remember that we can inspire a crowd we can bring people onside to help or demolish you. Give us an opportunity to lead projects. Please ensure that we don't work alone. Only have conversations that are conflict based in private. Finally, ensure that we "get our turn" when in a group setting.



Intrapersonal Learner

This intelligence indicates a keen awareness of one’s inner state of being. These learners try to understand their inner feelings, dreams, relationships with others, and strengths and weaknesses. (i.e. researcher, adventurer, explorer, philosopher)

Tips for Managing this person: Accolades should be kept private and meaningful. We are self-motivated to do the things we are passionate about. Communicate with us in a way that allows us to "craft a response" over time i.e. email. We enjoy learning in a mentor/mentee relationship and self-reflection/discovery time. I am very good at developing visions and missions. We can tend to be "cut and dry" so please help us soften our impact on others. Finally, we are not comfortable with the "leap of faith" or risk taking, so please be sure you really mean it if you are asking us to do this.



Verbal Linguistic

This intelligence indicates a highly developed ability to use words and language effectively. Individuals have highly developed auditory skills and generally are very good speakers. Learners with a heightened Linguistic Intelligence tend to think in terms of words rather than pictures. (i.e., lawyer, teacher, sales, consultant, politician)

Tips for Managing this person: We are your go to for verbal and written communication. We love to debate you (or anyone for that matter). We like to have things documented so that we can refer to it. Please take time to consult with us to find solutions we like to be part of things if we are going to be tasked with it in our portfolio. Finally, remember that we have an opinion - please take the time to hear us.



Musical Intelligence

This intelligence indicates an increased ability to produce and appreciate anything musical. Individuals tend to think in terms of sounds, rhythms, and patterns. They are affected deeply by what they hear and can become distracted by external noise. (i.e., DJ, musician, composer, singer)

Tips for Managing this person: I get patterns and can deconstruct a larger concept very easily. I can be sensitive, so please don't push too hard I am self critical and like things done right. If at all possible, have things set out in logical patterns. We will be very excited about a product or service once it is delivered perfectly. Finally, I love to have music playing and it will often reflect how I feel, plus be careful of "external noise" it drives me crazy.



Mathematical/Logical Intelligence

This intelligence indicates a heightened ability to use reason, logic, and numbers effectively. These learners think conceptually in logical and numerical patterns, making connections between pieces of information. They are very curious about the world around them. They ask a lot of questions and enjoy experimenting. (i.e., medical personnel, accountant, scientist, researcher, engineer)

Tips for Managing this person: I really like when explanations are kept short and not full of "fluff." Give me the answer efficiently and effectively. I will like to experiment to find the best way of doing things. If you want me to get involved challenge me to find the answer (and make my success measurable). Manage me by the numbers, if we can't measure it, it doesn't exist. Please show me how your request has a logical sequence and that ultimately it is measurable and connected to "real" business objectives (a.k.a. the bottom line).



Naturalistic Intelligence

This intelligence indicates a keen ability to see the connections and cycles of natural processes. They enjoy classifying things into areas of responsibility, placement and category. They easily connect cause and effect and illustrate patterns. They appreciate knowing how things are connected to real life. (i.e. project manager, landscaper, outdoor guide, engineer)

Tips for Managing this person: I get how things are connected, cycle and flow. If you need someone to figure out the "process" of doing something I should be part of that. Classifying things into logical chunks is easy for me and I like doing it. I can really understand things better if you show me a map or chart that I can follow to measure my performance. Finally, I get the idea of cause and effect in a really deep way and I'm an awesome "big picture" thinker.



Visual/Spatial

This intelligence indicates an increased ability to perceive the visual cues. Individuals tend to think in terms of pictures and movies. In order to retain information, they need to create vivid visual images. (i.e., artist, mechanic, web/graphic designer, architect)

Tips for Managing this person: I will speak to you in terms of how I "see" the final product. I love to build, construct, draw, layout, etc a task or work item visually. We really appreciate beauty and form in our work, things are finished till they look nice. I like to have visual reminders at my workstation. If we are working on something, a chart, map, or movie is really beneficial it grounds the concept for me. Finally, show me a picture of what you are thinking wherever possible, I'll get us there and even a bit more.



Tyler Hayden is a management consultant, professional speaker, and author. He works with groups internationally building meaningful and content rich leadership and team solutions. Tyler lives with his family on a sea side chicken farm in the historic town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia - where he sits as a town councillor. Learn more about him at www.tylerhayden.com. Finally, if you are looking for a special tool to connect to family please explore his new inspiring book series www.messageinabottlebook.com.

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