By Neuroscientist, Cognitive Psychologist, & C-suite & Genius Mentor,
Dr Lynda Shaw
A genius is characterised as an individual possessing extraordinary intellectual capacities, and they frequently showcase exceptional skills, ability or creativity. Although determining the precise number of geniuses amongst us proves challenging, their influence on society and culture is incalculable. We need geniuses for their ideas, to uncover solutions to challenges, and to create and invigorate with new ideas and learning. Yet some geniuses don’t feel they have a voice in the workplace which means we don’t hear their creative ideas and their solutions don’t come to fruition. So how do we tap into and support our geniuses in the workplace?
Who is a genius?
Whilst the IQ level required to be a genius isn’t universally agreed, one proposed level of a genius IQ is a score in a standardised intelligence test of 180, meaning about one in every two million people might be a genius. Mensa is the largest high-IQ society and it deems scores of 130 – 144 as gifted or very advanced, whilst a score of 145 – 160 means you are exceptionally gifted or highly advanced. But is a very high IQ enough? Whilst geniuses can think in new, unexplored ways, pushing the boundaries of human understanding, emotional quotient (EQ) and cultural quotient (CQ) are increasingly equally valued in the workplace.
Scientists have not to date pinpointed what causes someone to be a genius. It still isn’t clear how nature or nurture determines genius, although interestingly there is evidence that some brain damage has the power to unlock extraordinary creative talents. Furthermore, if an individual inherits genes associated with high intelligence but experiences a disadvantaged upbringing such as suffering from malnutrition, or lacking access to mental stimulation, they may not measure highly in a standardised IQ test.
What are the common characteristic traits of a genius?
A genius mind can manifest in different forms and fields, but certain traits may signify high levels of intelligence, such as being able to think about abstract concepts deeply and dynamically, defying conventional ways of thinking, and thinking about ‘why?’ a lot. Some argue that introverts are more likely to have a high IQ as they tend to be associated with being insightful and reflective and may enjoy their own company to quietly get on with their work or research, but the evidence isn’t clear.
What often happens to the genius in the workplace?
Sadly many geniuses are overlooked and forgotten. They often avoid shouting from the rooftops or even sharing their findings or thoughts, and so could be walking amongst us and we would never know. Some won’t talk about being a genius but are willing to share a genius idea. Many geniuses need help presenting their ideas to their peers or line managers or validating the efficacy of their latest ideas. Businesses may need help to unlock a new level of creativity, collaboration and success to be enriched by the contributions of these exceptional minds.
So how can a business tap in to and support geniuses?
- Understand the importance of consciousness. What geniuses Da Vinci, Jung, and Einstein all had in common is that they were able to understand consciousness, which is the state of being aware of and responsive to our surroundings. We are facing enormous global challenges in our world right now, but we are too focused on the minor issues of each day. The world needs genius ideas to fight looming threats like climate change. Allow colleagues to speculate, question and debate to open the doors to creativity and innovation and by tapping into the unconscious processing and creating space for genius ideas.
- Mentors have a vital role. Mentors can assist geniuses who can’t articulate their thoughts very well and help unlock extraordinary ideas ensuring they don’t go unnoticed. Some geniuses need guidance and support to unlock their potential.
- Get the balance right between AI and human ideas. Evolution has meant we have produced ever-more complex brains, but algorithmic repetition means that artificial intelligence (AI) will come up with genius ideas that may contribute significantly to certain fields, but we can’t rely on machines for these. The cognitive skills and creativity that the human brain possesses allow for unique abilities that still cannot be replicated or replaced. Providing the right environment for development, growth and learning will encourage human creative thinking.
- Know your team’s strengths. Understand and recognise unique strengths, interests, fears, and areas that require development. Create opportunities, acknowledge and develop successes, aligned with their abilities and objectives, and assign tasks to stretch personal strengths.
- Foster a sense of purpose. If everyone in the workplace is working towards a shared goal, we are more likely to be open to new ideas and to get to the next stages of implementation and action of ideas and development.
- Prioritise EDI. Create an inclusive environment where introverted and neurodivergent people don’t feel excluded, but instead are valued and heard.
- Open communication. People should feel comfortable coming forward with ideas. Provide ongoing support and feedback and operate with an open-door policy.
- Ensure there is training if needed. Provide coaching and tools to help those who may for example not like presenting. Allow them to present to one person or small numbers if that makes them feel more comfortable.
- Allow colleagues to make mistakes. To reach an end goal, trial and error must be allowed within reason. Allowing individuals to make mistakes and to come up with ideas that fail is likely to lead to a real solution. The real mistake is not allowing colleagues to push creative boundaries and try things outside of our and their comfort zone.
We can’t all be geniuses but how you can think like one?
To tap into the mindset of a genius, allow your mind to be creative and contemplative. Set aside quiet time to consciously put yourself in a semi-meditative state to explore ideas, thoughts, and solutions. Recognise your ability to come up with great ideas and foster a strong sense of self-worth. Find a mentor you trust, someone who encourages your thoughts and exploration, someone you can use as a sounding board. To make the most of your amazing ideas, make use of the expertise of a specialist to help direct you in the right direction, making a strategic plan for your ideas and effectively communicating them to the world.
