Embracing motivational intelligence

James Fleming at The Power Within explains the benefits of building motivational intelligence for success at work and in life

 

Every day, life presents us with challenges and obstacles, testing our strength and resilience; the true key to overcoming difficulties and achieving success may lie not in what we know, but in how we respond. When faced with adversity, some people rise to the occasion, while others falter. Some take charge and move forward, while others stay stuck, making excuses.

 

Why is this the case?

 

The answer may lie in something called motivational intelligence (MQ), a concept that is gaining more attention for its profound impact on personal and professional growth.

 

But what exactly is MQ, and why is it becoming so important?

 

What is motivational intelligence?

Backed by cutting-edge research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, Motivational Intelligence offers insights into the workings of the human mind and provides tools to meet the demands of tomorrow’s leaders today.

 

Motivational Intelligence is the ability to understand and manage the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that guide our actions. It’s not about intelligence in the traditional sense - like IQ, which measures problem-solving skills, or emotional intelligence, which helps us understand and navigate our emotions. Instead, MQ focuses on how we respond to challenges, opportunities, and setbacks (Dweck, 2006).

 

Studies in neuroscience reveal that MQ is closely tied to neural pathways connecting the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system - areas responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. This connection helps explain why people with high MQ are better equipped to overcome fear, take risks, and persist in the face of failure (Fredrickson, 2009).

 

MQ: shaping lives

So, how does MQ shape our lives, both personally and professionally?

 

Resilience in difficult times: People with high MQ don’t let setbacks stop them. When things go wrong, they don’t dwell on the problem - they focus on finding a solution. They’ve learned to pick themselves back up, stay calm under pressure, and move forward with a clear mind.

 

Building stronger teams and connections: Leadership is, at its core, about building strong relationships. Leaders with high MQ can connect with others on a deeper level, fostering trust, empathy, and collaboration within their teams. By managing their own beliefs, emotions and behaviours, these leaders are better able to understand the needs, motivations, and perspectives of their team members. This leads to stronger interpersonal relationships, improved communication, and a more cohesive team environment.

 

Promoting a growth mindset: Motivational Intelligence is closely tied to the growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. Leaders with high MQ encourage their teams to embrace this mindset, which fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. They create an environment where failure is seen as part of the learning process, not as something to be avoided or feared.

 

Taking initiative: High MQ encourages individuals to act on their ideas and aspirations. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or for someone else to take charge, they seize opportunities and make things happen. They’re not afraid to take the first step, even if they’re unsure of the outcome.

 

Driving employee motivation: High MQ leaders are skilled at motivating their teams. They understand the importance of recognising individual strengths, asking great questions of themselves and of others, offering constructive feedback, and celebrating successes. When leaders tap into the motivational needs of their team members, they can create a work environment that inspires intrinsic motivation - the desire to do well because the work itself is meaningful or enjoyable.

 

Why is MQ growing in Importance?

As the world becomes more complex and demanding, both personally and professionally, Motivational Intelligence (MQ) is increasingly being seen as a vital part of success and happiness. The reasons for this are clear:

 

The need for personal growth: As technology and society change rapidly, people are expected to adapt and grow throughout their lives. High MQ is key to this growth. It enables us to push past self-limiting beliefs and embrace new ideas and opportunities. People with high MQ are not afraid of change - they see it as a chance to learn, develop, and improve, leading to a happier and fulfilling career.

 

Embracing failure as a learning opportunity: One of the core elements of MQ is understanding that failure is not the end - it’s simply part of the journey. In a world where instant success is often idolised, MQ teaches us that the road to achievement is paved with lessons learned from failure. This mindset is particularly important as we face increasingly unpredictable challenges in life and work.

 

The importance of mindset: Researchers have long known that our mindset can shape our success. In fact, studies show that those with a growth mindset – those who believe they can improve through effort - tend to perform better than those with a fixed mindset, who believe their abilities are limited. MQ is what allows us to cultivate a growth mindset, helping us to stay motivated and positive even when the going gets tough.

 

The power of positivity: Life and work are full of challenges, and how we respond to those challenges can make all the difference. Those with high MQ are not ruled by negative thoughts or fears. They focus on opportunities and solutions, not limitations. This positive outlook creates energy, drives performance, and helps people move forward with purpose.

 

The beauty of motivational intelligence is that it can be developed. Just like we can strengthen our emotional intelligence or sharpen our problem-solving abilities, we can cultivate our MQ by learning how to manage our thoughts, challenge negative beliefs, and stay focused on what’s possible rather than what’s limiting us.

 

Developing MQ isn’t about avoiding difficulties or pretending that challenges don’t exist. It’s about how we choose to face those challenges. It’s about believing that no matter what happens, we can overcome it and grow stronger in the process.

 

Motivational intelligence isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a crucial component of personal and professional success. As we navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, it’s our ability to stay motivated, resilient, and open to growth that will make the difference. By embracing MQ, we not only unlock our own potential but also create a ripple effect that empowers those around us.

 

The journey to success is not always easy, but with high motivational intelligence, we can confidently meet every challenge and transform obstacles into opportunities. It’s time to take control of our mindset, shift our perspective, and unlock the power within us to achieve greatness. 

 

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James Fleming is the co-founder of The Power Within Training - the motivational intelligence company

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and artplus