Moral intelligence

On 9 April I posted a comment about the X factor.  Over the next couple of posts I want to explore that idea in a little more detail but this time from a business perspective.  Broadly speaking business executives have two categories of competency – threshold competencies and differentiating competencies.  Threshold competencies are cognitive intelligence (the ability to learn) and technical intelligence (the minimum requirement to do the job e.g you have to be a CA(SA) to be an accountant).  These competencies, while essential to do the job, don’t differentiate in a way that makes some people exceptional at what they do.  It certainly doesn’t make them leaders. To be exceptional you need differentiating competencies like emotional intelligence and moral intelligence.   Emotional intelligence however doesn’t direct an individual towards doing good.  There is no moral value in emotional intelligence although it does enable the individual to establish meaningful relationships and have a high level of self actualization.  That’s where moral intelligence plays a role and for me is the one differentiating competency that gives a business leader the X factor.  So what exactly is moral intelligence and how can it help you be an outstanding leader?  Be inspired.

The art of an apology

David Bullard and his column have been much in the news of late particularly his dismissal as a columnist for the Sunday Times and why his column was so offensive to a great many South Africans. Writing in Business Day today (18 April 2008) David Bullard apologizes in an article entitled Bullard: an apology to my readers and friends.  What a climb down.  The strange thing is that in his humility Bullard’s stature is enhanced.  What a paradox.  It takes a big person to admit they were wrong – more so in such a public manner – and it’s a lesson in statesmanship (read humility) that could well be learnt by those leaders in business and government who find the idea of an apology so unpalatable. In my experience people do forgive but seldom forget and I for one trust that David Bullard’s formidable talent as a columnist can be used now for something that allows his edginess to continue while balancing the interests of many people who have a fragile notion of self esteem.  Humility is inspirational.  Be inspired.

 

The X Factor

Are you watching the latest American Idol?  If for no other reason it’s great to see three judges who have an opinion and are prepared to express that opinion.  But equally so, what a pool of talent.  In the first episode any one of 5 contestents could have won it had it been a final.  The most striking things is their X factor – there’s something about them that sets them apart from the rest and makes you want them do well.  Business is no different.  There are some people who naturally have the X factor.  The right stuff.  Alexander the Great once said:  Give me 30 passionate men and I will conquer the world.  The remarkable thing is he did – at  least the world as it was known then.  What would it take for you to conquer your world?  In business?  As a leader?  In your personal life?  Be inspired!

Talk Radio 702 Podcast

If you missed the interview with Jenny Crwys Williams you can listen to it using the following link:

http://www.pod702.co.za/podcast/bestofjenny/20080403JCWBest.mp3

Interview with Talk Radio 702

It’s not every day you get invited onto a radio talk show so it was with some interest I took myself off to Talk Radio 702 this afternoon for an hour with Jenny Cryws Williams.  And what an hour it was.  Why do ethical people not put number plates on their car? led to a number of other interesting issues involving ethics – from moral intelligence and what it means to you and me; and why it’s easier to do something dishonest if it doesn’t involve cash.  Should you report someone for fraudulent activity even if it results in hardship for them and their family?  And can we, in our own small way, make this world a better place by doing something as simple as putting our number plates back on our cars?  It gives you something to think about doesn’t it?  Be inspired.

Why ethical people … don’t put number plates on their car

Noticed how many people drive around without number plates on their car?  So does Jenny Crwys Williams of  Talk Radio 702 and tomorrow, Thursday 3 April 2008 from 14h00 – 15h00 Jenny and I will be discussing this topic, and other deep and mysterious insights into our sense of morality, in the Talk Radio 702 studio. If you want to know why ethical people don’t put number plates on their car, and have an opportunity to discuss other moral issues we face as individuals and as a nation, why not join Jenny and me for an hour?