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Spiritual Quotient (SQ): Going Beyond IQ and EQ

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kEt tssN 0975 - 3249
VOL.7 No.1
April 2013

lnstitute for Technology and Management (lTM), Chennai-603 103

 Spiritual Quotient (SQ): Going
Beyond lQ and EQ
ABSTRACT
The lirst'Q' is what we all know - '[Q' or'lntelligence
Quotient',

The second'Q' is what quite some people know -'EQ'

or'Emotional Quotient', and,

The third 'Q' is what few know - 'SQ' or 'Spirialal

Quotient'.

There have been quite some indications &om vmious

disciplines like psychology, neurology- and
anthropology to prove that there is a third 'Q'- SQ also
knovv as ipiritual Intelligence. IQ measures the
intellectual capacrty of a person' EQ measures the
person's self-awareness, feeling of ernpathy 1n! theit
capabitity tp be sensitive to othefs feelings' Whereas'
SQ refers to a person's ability to build their capacity
for
-i*iog of life, the vision and value they hold' and
and
Parvi Bharti, urrd"rstlrd the elements that make them dream
.Assistant Prcfessoti strive for self actualization. It has interface
with
Instituu of Managewent Studies spirituality to help oneself create a balance amongst
Dehradun tie various facets oftheir life. This paper elaborates on
i - n ai I : p am ib@'re ilifm ai l. c o m

7l
ITM n-Ach, Vot. 7 No.l APril 201 3
 gaaical Eft'
the conceptofSQ, is imqtdtrc'usc andaplicairninth

Keywords: Spiritual Quotient' Intelligence

Introduction to the Os

Reviving the IQ

psycholo8isll m-111[Uutea towards

devisiE
In the early 20th cennry, various lt
powers
tests to measure an individual's
iot"itig"n"'' his reasoning and logical a4
iiiri'y i" facts and information'
-""g"
demons*ates the ,utior"r int"*igJ"",
use logic & analysis to make decisions'

FamiliarizingwithEQ
journalis
the renowned author, psycholoq,.'l *d science
Frrrther in mid-1990s,
eq'to ti't world"This concept of EQ
wr
Daniel Goleman unveiled tt'"'""'-t"pt "f;"lfl"*-:Ttt abilitv to react and
concerned with empathv, T1
;;;;;;; ;tr;, i""riog''""*;;;;'
fr' to'"'"o"""pt of the studv'h"was developed on an
sare'
othels and aptitude to maoage the
individual's feelings, hisner own' for
Emotional Intelligence **
*O""tuoa and control one's emotions and
feelings.
"i'it"ii"
while being sensitive to the feelings ofother
peopte'

numerous kinds ofintelligence like

logical-
Thouglr various scientists have discussed and
musiciiffily kinesthetic' interpersonal' intrapersonal
mathematical,linguistic,
#ffi*il;enc"euutl0'pQ anasQhavebeenthemostprominent'
Understanding SQ

SQhasbeenunderstoodtobethemostfundamentalofthethree'Q's.SQisusedbyan
the meaning it holds for li'+:'
individual to develop tris Ufe anO unaerstand
ComprehensionoftneractorswhichmakeanindividualliveeverydayofhiVherlife,
trucial element in the cont€xt of
with meaning and aim for a frigher goui it tft" -ot'
;a'ffiff;;; d,""t;;"ti'" rot the higher platfonn of satisfaction and
to be created'
.o]rt"nt*.nt. lt.alls forthe perfectbalance
adaptation ofspirituality to help one face
Spiritual intelligence hasbeen definedasthe
personal or professional front' It refers
and solve the everyauy ptoUtern' of life on the

IfM n4ch, Vot. 7 No.l APril 2013

D t ability to apply practicality and empathy in a balanced manner while
drining mental and spiritoal peace despite the coarseness of the situation.
AVedanta teacher has elaborated on this concept, describing it as an esseniial
prt ofone's growth, about having a direction in life and the ability to rmderstand and
lErognize the essential elements of life; people, work and things which need to be
and prioritized. The available resources, their optimal use without
@oitation, our limitations and the need to be contented, heading this path of love
rd satisfaction and the ability to conquer disappoinhnents in life are some that
rcgire organisation.

It is imperative that we understand ourselves and our desires, our expectatiors

in life and the means which can make one reach higher realms in life. Ifa person is able
o gather understanding towards his requirements for a happy, contended and
helanced life he'll be able to lead a very healthy spiritual life. The need for all the
mterialistic hxuries has minimum value, but that is precisely what is not understood
by everybody. The materialistic possessions are not a permanent fixture in our lives.
They may be present in one phase ofour lives but may not be there in another. It is the
obsession with these physical things that most ofthe people relate their happiness and
s€cudty to, thus, relying on one's job and their growth at the workplace for a happy
and secure living.

There is a difference between being religious and having a high SQ. These
should not be confused and used interchangeably. Studies have proved that there is no
correlation beBveen religiousness and level ofSQ ofan individual. Religion is a set of
laws and beliefs which govern our society and is external to an individual, whereas
SQ is intemal intelligence which is govemed and developed by oneselfto recognize
the values which exist within him/ her and discover tlre new ones.

Ideally SQ is the combination of EQ and IQ used and developed in an

appropriate manner. SQ is the holistic approach which includes self-awareness,
ability to reason, ability to understand, empathize, and act, and thoughts which are
directed towards the right and meaningful dimensions oflife. In a study conducled by
Hedlund and Stemberg, it was found that IQ accounted for only 20-30% of the
corporate success, and Sternberg stated that an ideal leadership requires a concept of
intelligence, which is beyond IQ.

ITM n-Ach, Yol. 7 No.l April 201j 73

 Every individual has the presence of three Qs, but it depends how a
individual chooses to develop them. It is itonical driffnd
that our education systern has
away from the traditional spiritual teachings and has become comparatively rxrE
focused on logical and rational intelligence, with very little attention being given to
the development of emotional intelligence these days.

An individual's ability to relate to what is happiness, what contributes towards

it for them or others are realized only with the help of SQ. The IQ and EQ are not
adequate enough to address such issues. It helps one leam acceptance, create
tolerance and adaptability, and look at the wider pictwe oflife.

Intelligence Quothnt Emotional Quotient Spiritual Quotient

IQ is the fimctionality ofleft EQ is the ftnctionality ofdght SQ is the functionality of

bnin brain whole brain

IQ addresses the logical EQ refers to managiag ald SQ gives the ability to an

problems. undentanding the feelings of individual to evaluate a
an individual. situation and ih worth in the
person's life.

IQ is nhat the computers or EQ is nahrally found in lfgher SQ is unique to tlrc human

machines are programmed for; mammals, but they do not have brain only.
they cannot have the other two. - the ability to apply SQ.

Table l: Comparing the Three Qs

Developing Iligher SQ

The next question to be addressed is 'How do we actually develop this third

Q?' As stated earlier, it requires intemal strength and understanding to have a wider
perspective of life. The spiritual intelligence can help in the transformation process,
help cope with grief or rough patches of life and hansgress beyond the past; b€ it at
workplace or home.

As mentioned it isn't formally taught and one may just stumble on to some
writings or selrnons to develop it, albeit superficially. But to develop the spiritual
intelligence, conscious efforts are necessary. Trying to be flexible in life with various
choices and decisions, being aware ofoneself, having a vision, having the ability to
face and using suffering as a stepping stone for one's gtowth, to name a few.
ITM n-Ach, Yol. 7 No.l April 201j 74
 A person will need to be empathetic and respect everyone along with their
tEmentals even if they are not acceptable. Thus, it enables interface of logic and
airs and develop a holistic way. Such interaction allows a person to go against
rddly principles and connect the various diverse proceedings of life, proiiding
anreandmeaning.

The presence of worldly articles has become the means to provide happiness
d setrrrity; but for the possession ofthese pleasures an individual depends on h isjob
ld career rather than on self, family or friends. The insecurity generated due to the
metary luxuries lead to stress and fear thus affecting the interpersonal relations at
bme and workplace too. To avoid such negativities and deterring activities, an
calightened view helps control the daily events; distinguish between necessary and
unecessary situations to be in, decide if the activity enhances ones productivity and
identi& the need to create a new meaningful situation. An awareness of new
dimensions in life makes adaptability easier and more tolerant to roadblocks. An
individual will have to answer probing questions like, Who am I? What is the purpose
of my life on this planet Earth? etc to reach that higher level of intelligence. It
therefore, is a myth to believe that only select people who pray and meditate can
develop this third Q, when it is possible for every individual. However, the effort to
acquire this foundation ofintelligence and nurture them varies wittr each individual.

IIow is a high SQ level helpful?

a It helps create a sense of identity-

a The purpose of life is understood and is aligned with the
practical aspects of life.
a Makes one responsible towards his/her work.
a Makes one tolerant and adaptable to the surroundings, be it
workplace or home.
O Helps in reducing stress and an'iety.
a The events of life are acceptable in every form and taken to be
a vital part for the growth and development-
a Helps in maaaging relationships and the e'pectations arising
from them.
a Ego takes a back seat nhile empathy and compassion rule the
acts and decisions of everyday.
a It helps a p€rson stay calm and focused, especially during the
stressfirl times of life.
a Allows development of hidden talents and qualities-
o Allows a person to be happy despite the societal lirnitations and
obligations.
Table 2: Value of Eigh SQ

'15
ITM n-Ach, VoL7 No.] April 2013
 Table 2: Value of High SQ

Cindy Wigglesworth in his article ol spiritual intelligence, also stated

good IQ level was only an entry key to corporate world and it took intelligence
it to actually lead and succeed. Wigglesworth has given a model to explain the
of the Qs. He states that, at young age, the bodies leam to focus on
irtelligence, while linguistic and conceptual skills are developed during the
At a later stage in life when an individual leams to understand emotions and
in his personal or professional life, that he starts to focus on EQ. Thoughts are di
to understanding SQ only when the person feels the need to tmderstand his focus ail
purpose in life. To initiate the growth of SQ, empathy and compassion play a vital rob
and shengthens the ability to develop spiritually.

Physhal lntalligBnca

Fig 1: Model of Foar Intelligences by Cindy lligglesworlh

Thus, the growth ofEQ and SQ can be interlinked to each other, although presence of
SQ is not possible without the presence ofEQ.

ItsAppllcation In The Corporate Forefront

Maintaining balance in life, on the personal and professional front is very

essential. If growth in career is important, then so is development of a person's
spiritual dimension.

The relationships at the workplace keep on shifting and changing due to the
numerous people around and also because people come and go. The outlook, working
style, thought process, manner of working and everything else differ from person to
person, which required a level of flexibility, adaptability and tolerance to work in

ITM n-Ach, Yol. 7 No.l April 201 3 76

 ' v ugTizi'
for a common goal and objective of the deparEnent to tb d
[.Btuding of tt r r*oo, "t'"'t' u'id "it"ut**"es add meaning -
&- fc! rrarale
better and lead the team effectively'

Goodleadersarethosewhoareintelligent,compassionate,andhzrcfu
their actions' ald their life; ic- I
$rliry to understand the meaning behind their work' allc
turlace of all the three at. il-f;;h the possessior-of these qualities that T
t"u* *t'ich adds value to the organizatim
lceds will be able to create a good
'ott"ti" e*ecutives would look beyond profit
md release the inaiviaua potJntiut' ftign tevet
for the society and
ud have concem not i".t f"t tfttit" employees but also
rttironmeot.

Any organization will be pleased tohavl

elployees who have a vision' a clear
and willing to work for the betterment
of the organization as a
gd, *;;ilth"tic corfident of their abilities and
stole. People havirg ttigt""ti'f"1"*e ana staUitity are
e";; such people. are able to build healthy
kve a sense of security' "mpathetic' grot'lh'
I"iiotriip. *nich are iuitebeiefi cial for the balanced holistic
of employees is a big^
In this ever growing competitive world' retention
a ma:nager is expected to.have a deep understandingof
concem. To do that etrectiveiy,
and visions' which might need to be
hisihgr employe"r; *a"..#diog
'f"i
'al.rttmanager would need to play multiple
allied with the organization't ob]"ctiv"s' A the
roles; role ofa guide, **toi plytnofogist and even a spiritual healer to align
various tasks.

The holistic development is possible with

the integration of the four
and spiritual aspects of a persq' fhu;' 1
dimensions, i.e' phy.i"ur, *""tiui,
*J "-otionalthe core values and the state of mind of
*Jouand
leader needs to reach oot
his/her team members for their overall development'

Swami Vivekananda' Sri Aurobindo'

People like Gandhiji, Sri Ramakrishna' their
are some of those who followed
Marlin Luther King and WJtt"'-Ei*"ftill SQ that
presence ofnotjust IQ and EQ but also
convictions cowag"oo.fy' fi *utif'e to
rendered their thought process Oiferent
from the others who strictly conformed
societal customs *o p'u"'i""t'
*"'" questions vis-A-vis the human life
iittt and
to do in this world?" 'What is the purpose
of
existence; 'Who am rf" 'Wf'"i"*Irn""tt
my creation?'. Such q*tti; ;;; ;; individual seek &e inner most self and divulge

ITM"*nVol.7 No.1 APril 2013

I
rr

in the core oftheir minds. ln such frenzied world, the need for spirituality at work has
been increasing. It is only the spiritual traditions which have answered the above
questions regarding one selfand theory oflife.

Albert Einstein had a remarkable IQ, but he also had the ability to look beyond. He
once quoted:

'The only really valuable thing is intuition.

Imagimtion is more important than knowledge''

An innovative concept of spiritual intelligence is another form of capital for

an organization Spiritual Capital. This refers to the wealth which is required to
sustain the cultural and spiritual balance of the organization and the society. Human
values and ethics, which are fast disappearing from our society, demand an urgent
need to be resurrected, if we are to understand the purpose of our existence' The
corporate world also needs to justif their policies and actions in context ofethics and
social responsibility; be it issues related to employees' working conditions, their well
being, societal cleanliness, envimnmental care or global warming.

The use of IQ and EQ together explains the need to combine practical skills
and iatelligence along with emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. But to have
a team inspired for achieving more, needs to focus on their spiritual intelligence
which is based on one's beliefs and cogn:ition, known as spiritual capital. It is not
concerned with the religion of the individual but with their feeling of mission and
innovation towards moral and ethical behavior.

Various organizations have also been using the combination ofEQ and SQ for
the development of their ernployees, for a friendly environment and better
productivity. Corporate leaders like Jack Welch and Dr. Stephen Covey have also
talked about intelligence beyond IQ for the successf,rl leadership practices and
enhancement of the company's worth. Some of the companies working on such
concept are Nokia, Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, Shell, Hewlett Packard and Starbucks
amongst many others. The presence ofhigher intelligence is required at all levels and
in all the departrnents ofan organization, though in varying degrees. It is crucial for
the employees in the customer service and sales department followed by other

ITM n-Ach, Vol. 7 No.l April 201j

 organization, zupervisors md
Qrets- In terms of the level of personnel inasthe
;EF.= re expected to possess a hig! SQ, maximum interaction and 'nan
happen at theirlevet.

-Aarqt
lEBion
In the current aggressive corporate setting and cut-throat competitive'
*iring our individuality, having a vision and achieving contentment is essential
fu I ffiy life. The bestselling business author stephen covey has stated that
-Sf*iUnf'Ateffigence is the central and most frrndamental of all the intelligences,
lccilse it becom;s the source ofguidance for the oihers". It would help notjust the
ffiies, but also the organization and society' At the workplace we would find
&ceinent of cohesiveness, and, responsibility towards work, fellowmen'
trdmersandsocietytoo.Itwouldcreateapeacefulandlovingenvironmentwhich
part of- such development guaiantees this world to be a better
cveryone wishes to be a
plffi.

Rcferences

Amram, Joseph (Yosi) (2005). Intelligence Beyond IQ: The Contribution

of
Emotional and Spiritual Intelligences to Efrective Business Leadership'

htq:/iwww.yosiamram.net/docs/El-and-Sl-in-Leadership-Yosi-Amram'pdf

Dalcher, Darren. Inspiration in team.' 5sarcfuing for a new intelligence'

http://www.pmworldtoday.neVcolumn-serieV2010/novAnspiration-in-teams.html

Insight e-
George, Mike (2006). Bringing spiritual intelligence to the workplace'
magazine for management accountants

http://www.cimaglobal.com/Thought-leadership/Newsletters/Insight.e.
ma!azine/Insight_January-20061/Bringing-spiritual-intelligence-into-the-
workplace/

79
ITM n-Ach, Vol. 7 No.1 APril 2013
 Salicrq Sebastian. The Business Case for Spiritual Intelligence (SQ)

http://www.google,co.in/ud?sa:t&rcFj&q:theTo20businessoZ20case%o20foro/OG
piritual%20intelligence%20(sq)&sourcrweb&cd: 1 &ved=0CFsQFjAA&url=hfi p
Vo3Ao/o2Fo/o2Pwww.pts.net.au7o2Folo3Fdl id%3D64&ei=GlTpT56IIMyqrAel2Pm
SDg&usg-AFQiCNEDokuO-ASA-6QiUyKAlNqDEhjMCw

Spiritual Quotient and Spiritual Intelligence. (2009) hfiptl/spiritual-

quotient.blogspot.in/

Tekkeveettil, Cherian P. IQ andGenius -NOWIT'S SQ!

http://www.lifepositive.com/mind/evolution/iq-geniuVintelligence.asp

The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence @Q) talentsmart.com

htb:/ ,vww.talentsmart.com/media/uploads/pdf.VThe-Business-Case-For-EQ.pdf

Wigglesworth, Cindy. Spiritual Intelligence and Why It Matters

http://wvril.inneililorkspublishing. cor/news/vol22iintelligence.htm

ITM n-Ach, Yol. 7 No. I April 201 3 80

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