Growing up, you would have continuously hear the phrase ‘Study hard, get good grades and you will make lots of money’.
Does it apply today? Is it even relevant?50 years ago it would have been, where the economy was booming and competition was almost none. There were many avenues when it came to making money and that you didn't have to necessarily ‘perform’ in school to be someone successful or wealthy.
Fast forward to 2024, things have definitely changed. Success and wealth is not measured by the grades you get in educational institutions but more of how quickly you can make money in this competitive world today.
Here are some of the reasons why one should not measure intelligence simply by paper qualifications.
- Traditional paper-based assessments are no longer the sole indicators of intelligence, as learning tools have evolved to include digital platforms and interactive methods.
- Modern intelligence is measured by practical application, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, rather than just theoretical knowledge or academic qualifications.
- Emotional intelligence, including skills like empathy and communication, has become as important as traditional cognitive skills, and these cannot be assessed through written tests alone.
- Technology has introduced new ways to assess intelligence, such as coding challenges, simulations, and gamified tasks, making assessments more dynamic and personalized.
- Intelligence is now seen as multi-dimensional, encompassing creative, practical, interpersonal, and cultural aspects, moving beyond narrow definitions like IQ scores.
- Employers today prioritize critical thinking, leadership, and innovation over degrees or certifications, often looking at real-world problem-solving abilities instead.
In essence, intelligence has become a fluid, multi-dimensional concept, reflecting a world that values adaptability, creativity, and real-world skills over static, paper-based measures.
Adaptability
Albert Einstein famously said ‘Intelligence is the ability to adapt’ to change'
It never crossed me before this, but the man is absolutely right. The Covid-19 pandemic firmly taught us that businesses that didn't pivot to the online setting during the lockdown were the ones that faced the most scrutiny. Overnight, we saw businesses going online and the traditional brick and mortar outlets suffering while keeping their shops open. While the social media landscape also changed during the pandemic, we saw the rise of influencers and their ability to make money online through endorsements. The baby boomers found it hard to adapt simply because they have been through the booming economic times in the past 30 years where there was not much competition. When it came to pivoting, that's when the younger generation found it easier, being savvy in this modern digital era.
Similarly when it came to other courses in life, the younger generation - namely the millennials were very much capable of adapting to different avenues that life offered, be it a learning course, other ways to make money or even starting things from scratch. I truly believe this is something we millennials, Gen Y and Gen Z are gifted in compared to the previous generations.
Where are these people?
Some of the real life examples of those who were not defined by grades include Richard Branson, despite struggling with dyslexia and leaving school at 16, built the Virgin Group, a global business empire spanning airlines, music, and more. Oprah Winfrey overcame a challenging childhood and being fired from an early TV job to become a media mogul and one of the most influential figures in the world. Albert Einstein, who struggled in traditional school settings, became one of history’s greatest scientific minds, known for his groundbreaking theory of relativity.
In the Malaysian books, some prominent figures include Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia who was formerly an accountant by profession, pursued his passion for aviation and transformed a failing airline into one of Asia’s most successful low-cost carriers, revolutionizing travel in the region. Jimmy Choo, a globally renowned shoe designer, honed his craft through hands-on experience and creativity, building a luxury brand recognized worldwide, prioritizing craftmanship over academic importance.
Getting it Right
At the end of the day, it's all about getting it right at the correct time and place. The world will constantly evolve but we have to remain optimistic when challenges are thrown at us from all angles. Being open-minded, not being dismissive about learning from others and always having a positive mindset helps.
The next round you have a conversation with someone and discover how high their EQ and IQ is outside of the classroom, you know you've met the right person who will be ready to face this grueling world.
Pooja Patel is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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