Intelligence is most talked about subject because it in a way defines everyday actions. It has also received definitions which vary from one another in great depth. One such psychologist who gave intelligence a different meaning is Robert Sternberg. In his triarchic theory of intelligence, he defines intelligence as a mental activity that helps a person adapt to, select and shape an environment that is best in their lives. He goes on to say that successive intelligence is comprised of analytical intelligence, creative intelligence and practical intelligence. In view of his definition of these three intelligences, I can honestly relate to them because they are all as important in my major, business administration. The work that I am expected to do as a business administrator necessitates that I look at instances and issues that come up in analytical way in an effort to solve these problems. At the same time, one is expected to be creative and deal with situations in a skillful way while at the same time adapting easily to new environments with the help of practical intelligence.
When considering how analytical intelligence is applicable in business administration, one may not fail to realize how important it is to possess problem solving capabilities. As a business administrator one is tasked with the understanding of the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. There are times when a person is expected to make decisions which may make or break a business or organization and this is when one is expected to use their analytical intelligence. On the other hand, creative intelligence will be required when one is expected to take on the market and make the business or organization better than their competitors. The world is dynamic and things keep changing every fortnight. It is imperative that a business administrator properly deals with situations as they come with the help of their past experiences and the skills they possess. On the other hand, practical intelligence will come in handy when one changes their employers or even business because they can easily adapt to change in environment.
One of the careers I have never seen myself pursuing at any given time is a career in teaching. I have my reservations for the career and when I put it in perspective of triarchic theory of intelligence; I believe that the creative and practical intelligences may be required in it but not the analytical intelligence. A classroom setting necessitates a teacher to be creative and practical in order to meet the objectives of the teaching and learning process as well as meeting the needs of each learner at any given time. Intelligence according to this theory is meant to shape environment and when putting the analytical perspective on it, it does not need analytical intelligence to teach but to handle issues outside of the teaching and learning process.
Sternberg’s theory is very helpful for everyone who wants to identify their intellectual profile. It helps a person critically analyzes themselves in order to know the strengths in order to capitalize on them. An intellectual profile will determine how a student learns and should be discovered early enough in order for the learner to have room to build and develop themselves accordingly. Past experiences can be merged with learned skills, analytical capabilities and adaptation to the changing environment will be the pillars upon which one can position them in order to pursue their careers successfully. A good intellectual profile contains academic achievement, good experience as well as a good overall performance. When all these have been established, it becomes easier to capitalize on the best that can come out of a person.
