Dennis, you've broadened my understanding of the demands of leadership. When a leader knows which intelligence to apply and which teammate to empower, leadership becomes a collective strength instead of a solo act.
I really appreciate this piece. I’ve never believed intelligence fits into a single lane. For too long, we labeled people “smart” or “not” based on one narrow set of cognitive skills while overlooking everything else they brought to the table.
Breaking intelligence into nine dimensions feels far more honest. It matches what real leadership requires: self-awareness, empathy, presence, creativity, resilience, and the ability to read a room as well as read a spreadsheet.
The best leaders aren’t the ones with the highest IQ. They’re the ones who know which type of intelligence the moment calls for. This article captures that beautifully.
Totally agree. The leaders who stay effective are the ones who can shift gears fast and pull from the right kind of intelligence in the moment. That adaptability is the real advantage.
Virgin and Branson are great inspirations for us, they changed travel, and it was built on humanity like you mentioned 🙌🏼, yes, the best leaders are geniuses in the traditional sense
This is a fantastic framework. The idea of moving from a 'logic-first' approach to seeing the mind as an 'orchestra of nine forms of genius' is quite powerful.
Such a powerful reminder that genius is multidimensional, not just logical. 🧡
It sure is. Especially nowadays 🧡
Dennis, you've broadened my understanding of the demands of leadership. When a leader knows which intelligence to apply and which teammate to empower, leadership becomes a collective strength instead of a solo act.
Beautifully said my friend. The best leaders, like yourself, know how to balance strengths and weaknesses with themselves and their people 🔥🧡
My IQ is bang average. My strengths lie elsewhere 💙 thanks for the wheel is wonder ! Welcome back to the Substack party post wedding 🎉
Gracias amigo. And I can relate. Average at best, but know how to adapt and/or how to surround myself with amazing people like yourself 🔥
I really appreciate this piece. I’ve never believed intelligence fits into a single lane. For too long, we labeled people “smart” or “not” based on one narrow set of cognitive skills while overlooking everything else they brought to the table.
Breaking intelligence into nine dimensions feels far more honest. It matches what real leadership requires: self-awareness, empathy, presence, creativity, resilience, and the ability to read a room as well as read a spreadsheet.
The best leaders aren’t the ones with the highest IQ. They’re the ones who know which type of intelligence the moment calls for. This article captures that beautifully.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. The best leaders know which type the moment calls for and can adapt quickly 🔥
Totally agree. The leaders who stay effective are the ones who can shift gears fast and pull from the right kind of intelligence in the moment. That adaptability is the real advantage.
Virgin and Branson are great inspirations for us, they changed travel, and it was built on humanity like you mentioned 🙌🏼, yes, the best leaders are geniuses in the traditional sense
Yes. For me too. The perfect example of multidimensional leadership 🔥
This highlights the need for always staying curious and humble, we all learn from each other and can unlock each others smart!
ALWAYS stay curious. We will never know it all 🔥
Teams move faster when everyone’s strengths actually get used.
Your post reminded me of a chess player who sees ten moves ahead but forgets to notice the small cue on their opponent’s face.
Skill isn’t the problem, connection is.
Through the 5 Voices lens, this trap shows up differently:
Nurturers get drowned out by fast thinkers.
Guardians feel rushed and underprepared.
Creatives feel dismissed when ideas come too quickly.
Connectors lose the relational thread.
Pioneers move so fast they forget others need a moment to breathe.
When teams understand these differences, speed becomes strength rather than strain.
Great analogy. Being multi dimensional is so important
Great read!
Thank you amigo 🙏🏼
This piece made me think of someone running ahead on a forest trail, only to realise the group is three turns behind.
Not because they’re slow, but because they’re trying to make sense of the path in their own way.
The 5 Voices lens adds another layer to this:
Nurturers need emotional space.
Guardians need clarity and time.
Creatives need freedom to explore.
Connectors need relational connection.
Pioneers need direction and pace.
When a leader moves too fast, each voice feels the gap differently, and the team rhythm starts to fragment.
Really enjoyed reading this Dennis! There's some great insights in this post of yours.
But I'd like to say (based on your post)...
Smart people win early.
Why?
They solve problems fast.
But leadership isn’t about being “the smartest person in the room.”
It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels and can become the best versions of themselves.
This is a fantastic framework. The idea of moving from a 'logic-first' approach to seeing the mind as an 'orchestra of nine forms of genius' is quite powerful.
This is excellent. It makes me think how AI is forcing us to reevaluate what human intelligence really is and more importantly, what's most valuable.