Transformational Intelligence is having the ability to acquire and apply the right knowledge and skills to create a dramatic change.
Over the past decade, we have seen dramatic change in the business landscape. Iconic businesses, particularly in the financial services industry, no longer exist. In the future, businesses that become masters of transformation will excel and those that continue to apply what led to success in the past will struggle. Ignoring what is different about the future is a path to extinction.
One of the most significant transformations that is evolving now and will continue to evolve is a rebalancing. We are seeing a rebalancing of values, power, priorities, and resources. Here are some examples of how this rebalancing is taking shape and affecting corporations.
How rebalancing is taking shape and affecting corporations:
OLD
NEW
Competitive advantage is measured by profits and market share
Profits override integrity
Competitive advantage is measured by positive impact on communities globally
Integrity overrides profits
Governments carry greater responsibility for social and environmental consciousness
Corporations carry greater responsibility for social and environmental consciousness
Power is concentrated
Corporations control the content and speed of communications, and protect their brands
Employees are subordinates in the power structure
Power is distributed
Social media balances power – a viral message from one employee can pre-empt corporate messages and even destroy a brand
Employees are colleagues in the power structure
‘Hard’ skills are more important than ‘soft’ skills
Analytical and technical skills and IQ are performance differentiators
‘Soft’ skills are more important than ‘hard’ skills
Interpersonal and collaborative skills and EQ are performance differentiators
Culture reinforces workaholism
Focus on work at the expense of everything else in life
Productivity and impact on bottom line are most valued
Culture reinforces well-being
Be resourceful in experiencing all dimensions of life
Agility and living the company’s legacy are most valued
The workforce in professional fields is male dominant
The workforce in professional fields is gender balanced
Technology connects a decentralized workforce
Immersion technology makes location irrelevant – any resource can be in any location at a moments notice
Stress is managed by managing time
Be clear about priorities and what wastes time – time is limited
Stress is managed by managing energy
Be clear about passions and what generates energy – energy is infinite
Some organizations are already embracing and preparing for the future, but very few are fully there. In fact many organizations are not even aware of the changes facing them. Leaders who have a high level of transformational intelligence are needed to elevate awareness and guide these organizations into a future that is very different from the past.
Transformational Intelligence in Action?
Transformational intelligence is about transforming relationships because relationships are at the heart of all change.
Leaders with transformational intelligence demonstrate interest in, understanding of, and respect for distinctions that make colleagues and customers unique; and they leverage those distinctions to bring about exceptional performance, products and services. Distinctions can be based on numerous factors, but some of the most important ones are gender, culture and generation.
Transformational Intelligence also is about paying attention to the corporate mindset that drives behaviors, the impact of the corporation on the many communities it touches, and how the corporation uses technology to expand and enrich its connections with colleagues, customers and strategic partners.
If you would like to better understand what transformational intelligence means to your leadership style, contact Coaching for Positive Action for a consultation.