General Intelligence Factors Responsible for Career Success

Conceptual Thinking

Conceptual thinking refers to the ability to grasp abstract concepts and see small issues in their proper place among larger realities. People who hone in on practical, personal issues all the time, never taking the time to think big and see how their personal "piece of the puzzle" fits into the larger picture, can limit their career potential. Conceptual thinkers are more likely to come up with innovative ideas and plan more thoroughly for their future.

Analytical thinking refers to the ability to break issues down into multiple components, understanding how each component affects the others and contributes to the outcome of the whole. An analytical approach to problem solving is the exact opposite of an emotional approach. Analytical thinkers look beyond instinct, emotion and first impressions to ascertain the true causes and influences for any issue.

Some people are known to have the "gift of gab," and others are known to be very sociable and popular by nature. Despite the fact that some people seem to be inherently social, most people can benefit from studying and practicing interpersonal competencies. Strengths such as conflict management, trust-building and conversational skills can greatly contribute to a person's career success, stagnation or failure. Intelligent individuals can learn to master interpersonal skills and use them strategically to gain career advantages.

Some people simply cannot stand reading or learning, while others cannot live without it. Raw intellect can be nearly useless without a proper passion and respect for learning in its many forms. Intelligent, career-minded people should feed their love of learning by reading books, trade magazines and online industry news publications, attending seminars and signing up for formal education courses throughout their lives, not only during their college years. A love of learning can give your intellect the fuel it needs to develop wisdom, and wisdom contributes more than raw intellect to success of any kind outside of academia.