Spiritual Intelligence and Why It Matters

Spiritual Intelligence and Why It Matters

by
Cindy Wigglesworth
President
Conscious Pursuits, Inc. (CPI)


The Field of “Intelligence”
In 1905 Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon developed the first modern intelligence
test. Since that time we have been debating what “intelligence” is, where it
comes from, and how to develop it.

Our “Intelligence Quotient” or “IQ” is generally thought of as our analytical or
mathematical intelligence and our linguistic intelligence (think of college entrance
exams – verbal and math components). Initially it was expected that IQ would be
a strong predictor of success in careers. In fact it has turned out to be a weak
predictor of success. IQ appears to be related to minimum standards to enter a
given a profession. Once you have chosen your career, what actually leads to
success is far more complicated.

Howard Gardner opened the door to discussion of “multiple intelligences” with his
book Frames of Mind in 1983. He listed seven different types of intelligences in
that book:
1. Linguistic
2. Logical-mathematical
3. Musical
4. Bodily-kinesthetic
5. Spatial
6. Interpersonal
7. Intrapersonal

Gardner’s 6th and 7th intelligences would later be combined into the study of
“emotional intelligence.” In his book Intelligence Reframed, 1999, Gardner offers
that one might add a “philosophical intelligence” which would combine spiritual,
moral, emotional, transcendental, cosmic and religious intelligences.
Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---

A Simple Model of Four Intelligences
The simplest model I use describes only four intelligences. I show them as a
pyramid to demonstrate the simplest sequence of development. I always
acknowledge that this is too simple a model. Yet it is a helpful visual aide.
SQ
EQ
IQ
Physical Intelligence

The idea of this model is that as babies we first focus on controlling our bodies.
Then our linguistic and conceptual skills develop (“IQ”)…and are a key focus of
our school work. We do some early development of relationship skills, but for
many of us “EQ” or emotional intelligence becomes a focus area only later when
we realize we need to improve – usually based on feedback in romantic and work
relationships. “SQ” or spiritual intelligence typically becomes a focus later – as
we begin to search for meaning and ask “is this all there is?”

SQ and EQ are related to each other. I believe we need some basics of EQ to
even successfully start our spiritual growth. Some degree of emotional self-
awareness and empathy is an important foundation. Then, as our spiritual
growth unfolds, there would be a strengthening of EQ skills – which would further
reinforce and assist the growth of SQ skills.

Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman popularized the phrase “Emotional Intelligence” with the
publication of his book by the same title in 1995. In his book, Goleman cites
research at Bell Labs that examined star performers, and tried to determine what
distinguished them from more average performers. It appeared that star
performers had significantly stronger relationship skills and personal networks
than average performers. Harvard Business Review published the results of the
Bell Labs study in 1993. Business interest in the study of “Emotional
Intelligence” or “EQ” began in earnest.

EQ is actually a large collection of skills. Goleman and Richard Boyatzis have
recently grouped these skills into 4 quadrants as shown below1.



1 Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis, with Hay-McBrer, 2002
Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---

SELF AWARENESS
OTHER AWARENESS
• Emotional
self-awareness
• Empathy
• Accurate
self-assessment
• Organizational
Awareness
• Self-confidence
• Service
Orientation
SELF MANAGEMENT
RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
• Emotional
Self-Control
• Developing
Others
• Transparency

• Inspirational
Leadership
(honest/trustworthy)
• Influence
• Adaptability
• Change
Catalyst
• Achievement
Orientation
• Conflict
Management
• Initiative
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Optimism

The research done by Goleman and Boyatzis shows that Self-Awareness skills
must be developed before the others can develop. This makes sense if you
consider Emotional Self-Awareness. If I don’t know when I am angry how can I
have Emotional Self Control? How can I have Empathy for your anger? How
can I handle conflict appropriately?

The research on EQ has left no doubt that these skills are vital for personal and
business success.

Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Intelligence
What is Spirituality? My definition is that “Spirituality is the innate human need to
connect with something larger than ourselves.”

But what is this “something larger than ourselves?” It is something beyond our
ego-self or constricted sense of self. It may be defined as having two
components: the vertical and the horizontal.2

• Vertical component: something sacred, divine, timeless and placeless…a
Higher Power, Source, Ultimate Consciousness – or any other language
the person prefers. Desiring to be connected to and guided by this
Source.
• Horizontal component: being of service to our fellow humans and to the
planet at large.

How can we be “Spiritually Intelligent?” What would a “spiritually intelligent”
person look like?

Who is a “Spiritual Leader”?
I begin many of my workshops by asking people – typically working in teams -
two simple questions.

2 My thanks to the 2003 International Spirit at Work Award Selection Committee for this
distinction.
Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---

1. Write down the spiritual leaders/teachers you have admired in your life
2. List the character traits that caused you to admire these people

I have done this now with thousands of people. What I find both reassuring and
fascinating is that the lists look so similar from group to group. The list typically
includes major religious figures from many traditions, global peace activists, local
religious leaders, teachers, guidance counselors, family members and spiritual
writers.

The traits that caused these people to be considered “spiritual leaders” typically
includes descriptors such as: loving, kind, forgiving, peaceful, courageous,
honest, generous, persistent, faithful, wise, and inspiring.

What the consistency of the responses tells me is that we already have a general
perception of what makes someone “spiritually intelligent.” What we do not yet
have is a way of describing Spiritual Intelligence that is faith-neutral and
specifically focused on the skills and abilities we are trying to attain when we
seek spiritual growth.

Defining Spiritual Intelligence:
I define Spiritual Intelligence as “the ability to behave with Compassion and
Wisdom while maintaining inner and outer peace (equanimity) regardless of the
circumstances.” Compassion and Wisdom together form the manifestation of
Love. “Behave” is important because it focuses on how well we maintain our
center, stay calm, and actually treat others with compassion and wisdom. The
statement of “regardless of the circumstances” shows that we can maintain our
peaceful center and loving behaviors even under great stress. This is what we
admire in our spiritual leaders.

Based on this definition I have created a list of skills which I believe represents
the skills of Spiritual Intelligence. They are:
Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---

Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Skills

Universal Awareness
Higher Self/Ego self Awareness
6. Awareness of interconnectedness of all
1. Awareness of own worldview
life
2. Awareness of life purpose (mission)
7. Awareness of worldviews of others
3. Awareness of values hierarchy
8. Breadth of time perception
4. Complexity of inner thought
9. Awareness of limitations/power of human
5. Awareness of Ego self / Higher Self
perception
10. Awareness of Spiritual laws
11. Experience of transcendent oneness
Higher Self/Ego self Mastery
Social Mastery / Spiritual Presence
12. Commitment to spiritual growth
17. A wise and effective spiritual
13. Keeping Higher Self in charge
teacher/mentor
14. Living your purpose and values
18. A wise and effective change agent
15. Sustaining your faith
19. Makes compassionate and wise decisions
16. Seeking guidance from Spirit
20. A calming, healing presence
21. Being aligned with the ebb and flow of life


Each of these skills has been described in five levels of skill proficiency. Level 0
is implied, and means that the person has not begun to develop that skill. Level
5 is the highest level we measure with our online self-assessment. No skill or
level is considered “required.” And even at Level 5 a person is not considered
“finished” as there is always room to grow.

Skill 5: Awareness of Higher Self/ Ego self
Level 1
Can communicate understanding of the nature of Ego self- including its
origin and the purpose it serves in spiritual development
2
Demonstrates ability to observe personal Ego in operation and
comment on what seems to trigger Ego eruptions
3
Demonstrates awareness of and ability to periodically "listen to" Spirit
or Higher Self as a separate voice from Ego self
4
Hears the voice of Spirit or Higher Self clearly and understands the
"multiple voices" that Ego self can have. Gives authority to voice of
Higher Self in important decisions.
Highest Level
Spirit or Higher Self voice is clear and consistent. Ego self is present
5
and is a joyful advisor to Higher Self. There is no longer a struggle
between the two voices. Rather there is a sense of only “one voice”
…the Higher Self (Authentic Self, Spirit) voice


What good is the study of SQ?
Religious beliefs have often divided our planet and caused war. My first goal is
to create a language that enables us to discuss these concepts without being
limited to the language of any one faith tradition. I hope to create an SQ
language - with clear definitions (showing synonyms from many belief systems) -
that helps to create understanding among the peoples of our planet.
Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---

My second goal is to create a competency-based language that helps people
assess where they are and where they want to go in their own spiritual
development. Based on our beta pilot of 549 people it seems clear the CPI SQ
assessment instrument does in fact accomplish this second goal.

Finally, the development of SQ will not only benefit individuals, it will also benefit
their families, communities, and the companies they work for. My third goal is
that the faith-neutral language of competencies will make SQ acceptable for
discussion in the workplace…the place where most of us spend most of our time.
This will hopefully lead to support for individual and group SQ growth – creating
more meaningful work, improved products and services, and ensuring
responsible corporate behavior.

In the end we are alike in our suffering, our hopes and our joys. We are all
striving to reach the same goals: peace and love. Perhaps with a more neutral
language for SQ we can see our commonality and work together towards getting
there.
----------------------------
For further information on the CPI SQ Assessment please go to the Conscious
Pursuits® website at www.consciouspursuits.com or email Cindy at
cswigglesworth@aol.com

Copyright 2002-2004 Cynthia Wigglesworth. All Rights Reserved

---