Creative intelligence: Why IQ and EQ are not enough

Intelligent quotient (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) have had their fair share of the spotlight these past few years. These days, creative intelligence (CQ) is quickly becoming the catchphrase both in the academe and in the business sector. In fact, educationalist Ken Robinson’s discussion on creative intelligence has become be the most viewed video in the TED Talks video site.

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The discussion on creative intelligence will not be complete without talking about creativity and intelligence. In fact, when psychologists attempt to define creative intelligence, they do so using the triarchic theory of intelligence, which touches on the analytical, creative, and practical aspects of intelligence. The theory, which was developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg, notes that creative intelligence involves reacting successfully to new situations and being able to successfully produce new ideas.

Image source: Flickr | US National Archives

But still even without a solid definition of creative intelligence, it is a skill that anyone can cultivate. Bruce Nussbaum, a professor and author of the book Creative Intelligence even pointed out that in the business world, creative intelligence is what “separates the winners and losers.” Creativity also makes a person happier. In fact, for people facing extremely stressful situations, such as high-profile lawsuits and incarceration, art is their therapy of choice.

Image source: Flickr | US National Archives

Psychologists agree that people are born with deep natural capacities for creativity. The challenge now is to cultivate these capacities, and as Robinson noted, “to rethink the dominant approaches to education to make sure that we do.”

Located in Happy Hill Farm, North Central Texas Academy ensures that its students’ creativity is developed through its various academic and extracurricular programs. Learn more about the academy here.