Spiritual Intelligence
The Business Case for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) by Sebastian Salicru Business and Performance Psychologist Director, PTS Consultants Melbourne, Australia ss@pts.net.au www.pts.net.au
Abstract Intellectual Intelligence (IQ) refers to thinking, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to feeling and Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) is about being. SQ is not religion, theology, cult, philosophy, ideology or speculation; further, it is not belief-based, paranormal or esoteric. SQ, also referred to as ‘the third Q’, is the new secular scientific paradigm of spirituality, which addresses fundamental challenges currently faced by businesses. SQ is the science of human energy management that clarifies and guides the structure of awareness. The application of this awareness allows access to a full range of human capabilities required to succeed in life and prosper in the current economic environment and social climate. In order to be successful, organisations require effective management in four critical domains: data, money, materials and human energy. SQ relates to the awareness, management and regulation of human energy, and is the key to personal fulfillment and peak performance. SQ practice leads to a more satisfying, effective and productive workplace. Hence, SQ impacts all areas of life and provides individuals with the capability of sustainable performance at extraordinary levels.
The Business Case for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ)
Introduction This paper presents the business case for the application of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) at work. To this end, the science of spirituality is introduced, SQ defined, a brief background on the evolution of the concept of intelligence and capital provided, and spiritual capital (SC) defined. Next is a consideration of the relevance and contribution of SQ and SC in contemporary businesses operating in a context of unprecedented social, ecological and economic global challenges, where the need to act promptly and effectively is
Abstract Intellectual Intelligence (IQ) refers to thinking, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to feeling and Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) is about being. SQ is not religion, theology, cult, philosophy, ideology or speculation; further, it is not belief-based, paranormal or esoteric. SQ, also referred to as ‘the third Q’, is the new secular scientific paradigm of spirituality, which addresses fundamental challenges currently faced by businesses. SQ is the science of human energy management that clarifies and guides the structure of awareness. The application of this awareness allows access to a full range of human capabilities required to succeed in life and prosper in the current economic environment and social climate. In order to be successful, organisations require effective management in four critical domains: data, money, materials and human energy. SQ relates to the awareness, management and regulation of human energy, and is the key to personal fulfillment and peak performance. SQ practice leads to a more satisfying, effective and productive workplace. Hence, SQ impacts all areas of life and provides individuals with the capability of sustainable performance at extraordinary levels.
The Business Case for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ)
Introduction This paper presents the business case for the application of Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) at work. To this end, the science of spirituality is introduced, SQ defined, a brief background on the evolution of the concept of intelligence and capital provided, and spiritual capital (SC) defined. Next is a consideration of the relevance and contribution of SQ and SC in contemporary businesses operating in a context of unprecedented social, ecological and economic global challenges, where the need to act promptly and effectively is
References: Alfred. R & Casserley, T. Developing Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence in the Workplace: Bridging Corporate and Spiritual Worlds, available at: www.findhornconsultancy.com/docs/Website%20PwC.ppt (accessed 25 January 2010). Bontis, N. 2001. Assessing knowledge assets: a review of the models used to measure intellectual capital. International Journal of Management Reviews, 3(1): 41-60. Breakthrough Leadership 2005. The Heart and Spirit of Excellence: Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) for Executive Excellence Conference, May 28-30, Dubai. CSR as an integral part of business: Why the Westpac approach is working, available at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2008/opinion/csr-as-an-integral-part-ofbusiness-why-the-westpac-approach-is-working (accessed 25 January 2010). Harung, H., Heaton, D., & Alexander, C. 1995. A unified theory of leadership: Experiences of higher states of consciousness in world-class leaders. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 16(7): 44-60. Harung, H., Travis, F., Blank, W., & Heaton, D. 2009. Higher development, brain integration, and excellence in leadership. Management Decision, 47(6): 872-894. McKinsey Quarterly. January 2010. Managing water strategically: An interview with the CEO of Rio Tinto. Leadership for the emerging world. The 7th Spirituality, Leadership and Management (SLaM) Conference. 11-14 February, 2010, Sydney. SQ Institute: http://www.sqinstitute.com. Tischler, L., Biberman, J., & McKeague, R. 2002. Linking emotional intelligence, spirituality and workplace performance. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 17(3): 203-218. World Business Council for Sustainable Development. http://www.wbcsd.org. Zohar, D. & Marshall, I. 2004. Spiritual Capital: Wealth We Can Live By. San Francisco (CA): Berrett-Koehler Publishers. © Sebastian Salicru 2010 8 The Business Case for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Further reading Bentley, R. 2006. Feels like team spirit. Training & Coaching Today, May: 24. Bontis, N., & Nikitopoulos, D. 2001. Thought leadership on intellectual capital. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2(3): 183-191. George, M. 2006. Practical application of spiritual intelligence in the workplace. Human Resource Management International Digest, 14(5): 3-5. Giacalone, R. A., & Jurkiewicz, C. L. 2003 (Eds.). Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance. New York: ME Sharpe. Senge, P. 1990. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Doubleday. Senge, P., Scharmer, C. O., Jaworski, J., & Flower, B. S. 2004. Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future. Cambridge (MA): Sol (Society of Organizational Learning, Inc.). Tolle, E. 1999. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Vancouver: Namaste Publishing. Tolle, E. 2005. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life 's Purpose. New York: Penguin Group. Zohar, D. 1997. Rewiring the Corporate Brain: Using the New Science to Re-think How We Structure and Lead Organizations. San Francisco (CA): Berrett-Koehler Publishers. © Sebastian Salicru 2010 9