A Higher Plane: Tapping Into Team members’ Spiritual Intelligence

  Diversity   Organizational Culture   Stakeholder Management   PM Network  

"Why?"

It’s a question with an infinite number of answers, depending on the context. When a team member asks the project manager why a particular business challenge exists and what they can do to overcome it, that’s generally a good “why”— especially if it’s asked as a precursor to developing an innovative solution. Other “why” questions, such as, “why do I have do what you asked me?” or “why has our team adopted these goals?” can be more complicated, requiring more thought and time to answer.

Yet answering those “whys” can get more effort and dedication from project teams. When team members understand and help shape the overall mission, they identify more strongly with the team and their part in it. In turn, they’re happier, more effective and more creative. The principle is part of an emerging scientific and management concept called “spiritual intelligence.”

The notion of motivating team members by tapping their self-esteem and self-actualization may sound far-fetched, akin to making them more productive by turning their desks toward the sun. While the concept isn’t that New Age, spiritual intelligence does involve connecting individuals with a deeper purpose.

The idea behind spiritual intelligence is related to the hierarchy of needs …

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