The Problem with IQ Does having an IQ in the genius range - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Problem with IQ • Does having an IQ in the genius range automatically mean that one will be successful? • According to several studies summarized by Gladwell it does not! • when it comes to intelligence, there tends to be a threshold; once you get past a certain level of intelligence, it does not really impact your success much • Instead, other factors—particularly creativity, the ability to think in innovative ways, and dealing well with change and unexpected factors—are what help people succeed. • Background and upbringing also play a crucial role • He Uses the examples of Chris Langan and Robert Oppenheimer to illustrate this point

THRESHOLD OF INTELLIGENCE • Chris Langan • IQ of 195 and is considered the smartest man in America. • Grew up incredibly poor with a working mother and a drunken father. • College drop out • Since then, he has not achieved success in traditional terms. • Robert Oppenheimer • One of the crucial designers of the nuclear bomb • He, too, was brilliant, but he came from a wealthy family • Degree from Harvard, and was very successful.

SO WHY THE DIFFERENCE? • Langan did not possess creativity and more importantly “Practical Intelligence” • Practical Intelligence – How to navigate certain situations to get what you want. • Upbringing • Langan – poor dysfunctional family with very little support – no opportunities to develop the “practical intelligence” needed to succeed • Oppenheimer – Wealthy family that afforded him many opportunities to develop his skills as well as his “practical intelligence”