What would constitute the ‘appropriate’ intellectual character to navigate the era of emerging and disruptive technologies?
Just a teaser to set the scene for launching my quest to empower leaders in 2024
In my quest to define the ‘appropriate’ intellectual character for leaders to effectively navigate the turbulent times we live in, I dedicated five years to empirical research, which led to the development of the “Triarchic Theory of Cognitive Disposition,” an integrated framework designed to guide leaders through the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond. My Substack will delve into this theory over the months to come, which comprises three main domains, each with three sub-domains, forming an integrated whole that embodies the necessary intellectual character for navigating today's complexities and tomorrow's uncertainties.
These domains are:
Episteme-Analytical Intelligence, which includes Complexity Intelligence, Inquiry Intelligence, and Critical Intelligence.
Techne-Inventive Intelligence, encompassing Futures Intelligence, Adaptive Intelligence, and Creative Intelligence.
Phronesis-Synergic Intelligence, comprising Emotional Intelligence, Ethical Intelligence, and Collaborative Intelligence.
It’s crucial, however, to understand the interconnectedness of these domains. While each sub-domain is distinct, they collectively contribute to a leader's overall cognitive disposition. This integrated approach is also reflected in a diagnostic tool I developed for leaders to assess their cognitive disposition in relation to these domains, which I will discuss in the near future.
The aim is for leaders to develop and align these foundational aspects to effectively steer through the current disruptive trends and beyond. This is no small feat, as leaders bear the responsibility of guiding their teams and organisations through the turbulent seas of change and emerging megatrends. The landscape of organisational leadership has fundamentally transformed, and my writings in this space will guide readers through the intricacies of each domain and sub-domain of the triarchic framework.
A brief synopsis of each domain follows below to give an indication of the extent of each which we will unpack in detail going forward.
The Episteme-Analytical Intelligence domain emphasises the importance of cognitive agility in complex environments, enabling leaders to identify and navigate gaps, adapt to changing circumstances, and make well-informed decisions. This domain emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, essential for addressing the intricate challenges faced in contemporary organisations.
The Techne-Inventive Intelligence domain focuses on forward-thinking and flexibility, empowering leaders to anticipate change, envision innovative solutions, and strategically plan for the future, as well as to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and foster a culture of innovation and experimentation. This domain equips leaders with the skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of emerging disruptive technologies and drive positive change.
The Phronesis-Synergic Intelligence domain highlights the importance of emotional, ethical, and collaborative intelligences, enabling leaders to understand and manage their own emotions and those of others, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, making principled decisions and cultivating an ethical climate in organisations. It further enables leaders to build strong relationships and achieve shared goals.
These three domains and their subdomains provide a comprehensive framework for developing the cognitive disposition of leaders. By integrating Episteme-Analytical, Techne-Inventive, and Phronesis-Synergic intelligences, leaders can navigate the complexities, drive innovation and positive change, and foster ethical and collaborative environments. By embracing this framework, leaders can enhance their decision-making, adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence, ethics, and collaboration skills.
Starting in January 2024, the insights shared in my Substack will hopefully contribute to stimulate the awakening of leaders’ intellectual character to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.