Creative Intelligence in Basic Terms, an Individual\'s

Creative Intelligence

In basic terms, an individual's creative intelligence can be brought out using four primary styles. These styles include inspiration, innovation, imagination and intuition. In this text, I discuss the four styles of creative intelligence. In so doing, I bring out their key similarities and differences and look at how they impact on organizational decision making. Further, I highlight how mindsets and mental modes are influenced by the five forces while giving examples of how the decision making process might be limited by mental models and mindsets. Lastly, I discuss the most frequently used mindsets and mental modes which would ideally guide and influence the decisions I make at the workplace.

Discussion

According to Weiten (2010), "creative intelligence involves the ability to generate new ideas and to be inventive in dealing with novel problems." When it comes to intuition, Rowe (2004) is of the opinion that the same mainly concerns itself with results in addition to relying on experience (past) so as to guide decisions. It can be noted that in most cases, the relevance of understanding the past cannot be overstated most particularly amongst educators as it is widely believed that understanding the historical significance helps avert mistakes. From the perspective of a business, taking into consideration the various patterns and exercising caution must be considered a priority. Generally, organizations utilize strategic planning as a tool for mapping possible outcomes. In so doing, entities are able brace themselves for a wide range of scenarios. A Chief Executive Officer possessing this type of intelligence is considered charismatic and tough (Rowe 2004). The author further notes that such an executive mainly has his focus trained on actions and results. This assertion effectively supports educator theories that concern themselves with results consistency and the relationship between failures and successes. It can however be noted that when it comes to this particular mindset, insistence on past results decreases an organization's business opportunities which are considered positive.

Next, in regard to imagination, Rowe (2004) notes that this style of creative intelligence generally relates to those individuals who have well-developed leadership and artistic qualities. This style of creative intelligence is also apparent amongst individuals who enjoy writing. In this case, such individuals possess the ability to visualize a wide range of scenarios using the power of their imagination. In the organizational setting, such individuals are considered to have a significant impact on the decision making process. Based on their ability to see through the prevailing scenarios, such individuals tend to possess excellent coping skills for problem solving which in turn makes them more useful during chaotic times. Further, it can also be noted that such individuals possess a rare ability to remain focused even when everybody around them seems to be panic-stricken. Based on the fact that people are in most cases products of their working environment, the level of confidence such individuals possess and the ability to stay poised ends up influencing colleagues at the workplace. In the end, those who possess the imaginative style of creative intelligence inspire those they work with at the workplace to see beyond prevailing circumstances. However, as far as this mindset is concerned, it can be noted that one significant limitation remains the inability of the same to focus on the immediate future. Based on the need to put everything into perspective, this may present challenges going forward.

The next style of creative intelligence in this case is inspiration. Here, Rowe (2004) is of the opinion that the inspirational mindset primarily concerns itself with social change. It can be noted that those who possess this mindset are more likely to remain motivated, logical and focused based on the large amounts of positive energy they possess. Those organizations having individuals with such a mindset are more likely to create outcomes that appear to be more positive in the future as a result of their ability to use the prevailing situations for inspirational purposes. However, it should be noted that those with this mindset have a tendency to focus too much on the 'bigger picture'. This in turn limits their focus on day-to-day functions.

Lastly, we have innovation as yet another style of creative intelligence. In general terms, those utilizing the innovative style of creative intelligence tend to possess the ability to remain focused on both evidence and issues at hand. It can be noted that in a way, this style comes across as being the most logical as a result of the tendency to sharply focus on evidence which can be considered visible i.e. data. However, in this case, it could be challenging to determine the specific vision being pursued by the organization. It should be noted that for an organization to be truly successful, it may need to find a balance of sorts between various mindsets. The reasoning here is that each mindset seems to work best with a particular role. Further, in regard to innovation as a style of creative intelligence, it should be noted that for all industries, the relevance of precision cannot be overstated. Hence in that regard, innovation remains critical to success. However, limitations are also apparent in this case as decisions have to be made on the basis of presented facts.

The five forces which have an impact on mindsets and mental models are personal experiences, other people's influence, training and education (Wind and Crook 2005). When it comes to education, the same forms the basis of a person's mindset as a result of its binding effect at the societal level. Training on the other hand is an individual's mindset most visible force. Further, in regard to other people's influence; mentors, experts and friends alike all have a significant impact on the mindset of an individual. The influence in this case could either be either positive or negative. When it comes to reward, feeling accepted and special is something most individuals seek. By appealing to the mental part that seeks pleasure, rewards effectively influence an individual's mindset. Lastly, personal experiences influence how an individual tackles challenges as a result of the cross-experimental knowledge possessed.

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