In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Yosi Amram about the role of spiritual intelligence and how it can complement emotional intelligence. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Yosi discussed the role of spiritual intelligence in complementing emotional intelligence in the workplace, with Yosi sharing his research and experiences in this field. They also discussed the process of developing new habits, building qualities, and the challenges of implementing spiritual intelligence in the workplace. Lastly, they touched on the importance of individual and collective purpose, the concept of 'Spiritually Intelligent Leadership', and the resources available for personal development.
Spiritual Intelligence in the Workplace
Jonathan and Yosi discussed the role of spiritual intelligence in complementing emotional intelligence in the workplace. Jonathan clarified that they were not discussing organized religion, but rather the concept of spiritual intelligence as a distinct component of humanity. Yosi, a distinguished psychologist and executive coach, shared his journey from a leadership role in the Israeli Military to founding companies and experiencing a personal spiritual awakening that led to his research on spiritual intelligence. His work has been validated by over a thousand academic citations and has shown positive outcomes in various cultural contexts.
Spirituality, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership
Jonathan emphasized the importance of spirituality in human connection and its role in emotional intelligence. He noted that discussing spirituality in the workplace can be taboo but highlighted its significance. Yosi responded by defining 'spirit' as the animating breath of life and discussing the connection between this concept and leadership. They also discussed the difference between spirituality and spiritual intelligence, with Jonathan confirming that these concepts are not always the same.
Spiritual Intelligence and Its Impact on Leadership and Well-Being
Yosi introduced the concept of spiritual intelligence, which was defined as the ability to draw on and embody spiritual qualities and resources for daily functioning and well-being. He shared that his research, involving 71 teachers nominated by their peers, identified 22 universal qualities of spiritual intelligence. Yosi also presented scientific studies indicating that leaders with higher spiritual intelligence led teams with higher morale, greater commitment, and lower turnover. He further noted that spiritual intelligence explained a significant portion of the variance in leadership effectiveness, complementing emotional intelligence. Yosi emphasized the measurable and impactful nature of spiritual intelligence, highlighting its positive effects on financial outcomes and human well-being.
Discussing Spiritual Intelligence and Leadership
Jonathan and Yosi discussed the concept of spiritual intelligence, emphasizing its human, business, and scientific basis. Yosi explained that spiritual intelligence is a multidimensional construct, similar to IQ, with 22 identified qualities. He suggested that leaders can access this intelligence by connecting with their breath, heartbeat, and the verticality of their spine to feel a sense of centeredness and groundedness. From there, they can tap into individual qualities such as purpose and gratitude. The discussion encouraged people to look up the research behind this concept and to cultivate a sense of purpose and gratitude in their lives.
Developing New Habits and Building Qualities
Yosi and Jonathan discussed the process of developing new habits and building qualities. Yosi emphasized the importance of focusing on one quality at a time, building habits and practices around it, and then moving on to the next. Jonathan agreed, highlighting that developing new habits is a gradual process that requires consistency and patience. They both compared this process to physical fitness, requiring regular practice to see results and rewire neural pathways. They also stressed that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and individuals should choose practices that resonate with them.
Reprogramming Consciousness and Spiritual Intelligence
Yosi and Jonathan discussed the ongoing process of reprogramming consciousness and the challenges of implementing spiritual intelligence in the workplace. Jonathan emphasized the role of leaders in fostering this and setting a good example for their employees. Yosi then highlighted the importance of focusing on employees' well-being, particularly those who may be feeling overwhelmed or overworked. The discussion also touched on the concept of spiritual intelligence, which Yosi defined as cultivating internal resources for happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose, emphasizing that this is within individuals' control.
Employee Purpose, Alignment, and Community
Yosi emphasized the importance of each individual in an organization, likening them to cells in a larger body that must take care of themselves while also contributing to the overall function. He stressed the need for employees to understand their purpose within their team and the broader organization, and how this aligns with their natural talents. Yosi highlighted the significance of a shared sense of purpose, mission, vision, values, and mutual care among employees, which fosters a sense of community and prevents isolation and toxic work environments.
Listen to the webinar here:
