How many intelligences do you thrive in? How many do you need to be successful in your role?

If you have never heard of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist) put forward by Howard Gardener in the early 1980s, you might be a bit perplexed. Prior to Gardner’s theory, there was a strong focus on measuring one’s intelligence based on an IQ test. Seems non-sensical some 40 years given the strong focus on emotional intelligence we have today.

I was asked recently in an interview for Company Director magazine what I believed was the number one attribute a director needs to have to be effective. I answered, “Critical thinking, followed by emotional intelligence as a very close second.”

This got me thinking about the key attributes a risk practitioner needs to be as impactful as possible. Many years ago I first said that a good risk practitioner would have an MBA on steroids. Meaning, they understand and can engage in thoughtful conversation with anyone across their business.

I need to add to that.

A good risk practitioner also needs the attributes that allow them, not only to engage in thoughtful conversation, but to do so in a way that engages with your audience. Being adaptable in what you say, how you say it, how much you listen, how you listen, even what you wear and how you wear it. All of this matters in engaging with your audience.

This is the type of skills development I focus on in my book Persuasive Advising – How to Turn Red Tape into Blue Ribbon and in my Persuasive Adviser Program. Helping people communicate, often complex or emotive concepts, in highly effective ways. Including the use of analogies and stories that play to the dominant intelligences of those you wish to influence.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. Don’t forget to join the waitlist for my upcoming book, Team Think: How Teams Make Great Decisions, and be among the first to know when it goes on sale at a special, seriously discounted price. Join the waitlist here and register here for the book launch.