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”