What is Connectional Intelligence?
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
What is Connectional Intelligence?
Psychologists have known for years that there are different kinds of intelligence. Connectional Intelligence (CxQ) is considered the latest form of intelligence identified by Saj-nicole Joni and Erica Dhawan. It is defined as “the capability to consistently deliver transformative results by harnessing the value of relationships and networks.” And is considered the key to achieving success in modern times.
A main concept of CxQ is not so much who you know, but how you use the connections and network that you have to add value to them and facilitate innovation for a better organization or world. We have more tools for connection than any other generation. With smartphones, social media, and computers that can access infinite amounts of information, Millennials are uniquely positioned to tap into resources and networks that enable them to innovate quicker and easier than ever before. And CxQ is just that: knowing how to ask the right questions, and connecting the right people, to use these resources to the max.
CxQ consists of 5 C’s: contextualization, community, combination, combustion, and courageous conversation. Which in short means, having an understanding of the context and implications of a phenomenon; creating a community around it; combining ideas into new ones; mobilizing and igniting “diverse networks and resources in pursuit of a goal”; and creating occasions and raising awareness for that phenomenon, as well as keeping the conversation going.
The beauty of CxQ is that it can be applied to an individual or organization. Just like any other intelligence, it can be learned and improved. For example, in a large organization where there is a rigid and structured hierarchy, it might facilitate the success of the company if the newer and younger employees were allowed to voice their ideas for the future success of the organization. Millennials know how to leverage technology and make connections in ways that previous generations do not, so allowing them to bring their ideas to the table can cause positive change within the organization. This kind of hierarchically fluid environment can create just the right recipe for individual and organizational success.
To sum up, CxQ is a new form of intelligence that Millenials have grown up with. They recognize that there is always an opportunity to create connections - face-to-face, online, and beyond. Now more than ever, we have easier access to information and ways of socializing than ever before. The individuals and organizations who can learn to leverage and combine that information and socialization are the ones who provide us with huge breakthroughs and innovations that can help organizations and the world succeed.
You can read more about Connectional Intelligence here or get a book all about it here.