We’ve been measuring intelligence the wrong way.
I recently came across a Fast Company article that introduced a framework I’d never really seen broken down this way – the three types of intelligence leaders need to thrive today. (https://lnkd.in/g2S-WKp2)
It’s not something we talk about much, probably because most of us were never taught to think about intelligence as something we switch between. But reading this made me realise that the kind of intelligence we use as leaders isn’t just a trait but a tool. And knowing which one to use, and when, might be one of the most underrated leadership skills of our time.
1. Fluid Intelligence – quick thinking, pattern-breaking, being able to adapt on your feet. I think of the early days of building a team or launching something from scratch, when no playbook exists and gut instinct becomes your GPS.
2. Crystallised Intelligence – your accumulated wisdom. The ability to connect dots because you’ve seen similar storms before. This shows up when a younger colleague asks for advice and you draw not from textbooks, but from scars.
3. Artificial intelligence – the new layer. Not a replacement, but a force multiplier. It amplifies what we already know if we’re willing to learn how to use it. Whether it’s research, writing, decision support, or scenario modeling, AI now sits at the table, too.
As someone who’s worked across journalism, media, and entrepreneurship, this really hit home. There have been so many moments where I had to rely on quick, instinctive thinking, and others where only hard-earned context helped me stay grounded. And now, I’m finding ways to let AI carry some of the weight so I can focus on the thinking only I can do.
What I loved most was the reminder that none of these work in isolation. Great leaders aren’t just smart, they’re fluid, wise, and open enough to bring in new tools.