Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences suggests that intelligence is not a singular, fixed entity but a set of multiple smarts that individuals possess to varying degrees. While Gardner’s theory is not specifically tailored to the field of construction or service, we can explore how each of the eight types of smarts might relate to skills and abilities necessary in the construction and service industry:

• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: (number/reasoning smart):

• Construction projects often involve exact measurements, calculations, and problem-solving. Individuals with strong logical-mathematical smarts may excel in tasks requiring accurate estimating of materials, budgeting, and problem-solving in construction planning. Plus, see that side jobs end up in the bank for future funding purposes! Get an LLC as buisness bank statements are required!

• Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence: (word smart)

  • Effective communication is crucial in construction, especially in coordinating tasks, managing teams, and communicating with clients. Those with strong verbal-linguistic smarts may excel in written and verbal communication, enabling them to share complex technical information.

• Spatial Intelligence: (picture smart)

• Spatial intelligence is highly relevant in construction, where professionals must interpret and create detailed blueprints, visualise the final product, and understand spatial relationships or where things go on construction sites. Architects and planners, General Contractors and site managers, in particular, benefit from strong spatial intelligence.

• Interpersonal Intelligence: (people smart)

• Construction projects require collaboration among various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. Individuals with strong interpersonal smarts can steer these relationships effectively, leading to successful teamwork and project completion.

• Intrapersonal Intelligence: (self-smart)

• Understanding oneself and being self-aware is valuable in the construction industry. Individuals with intrapersonal smarts may excel at managing their time, setting goals, making decisions that align with their personal and professional values, plus complying with industry rules and regulations. Medicine excels here. This aspect alone is why there is a lower failure rate among service and construction start-up businesses.

• Naturalistic Intelligence: (nature smart)

• Naturalistic intelligence may come into play when considering environmental factors in construction, such as sustainable building practices, environmental impact assessments, and eco-friendly materials. This intelligence is relevant for professionals involved in green building initiatives. Especially crucial for farmers plus those who like hunting and fishing, aka reading nature.

• Musical Intelligence: (music smart)

• While not directly connected to construction and service, recognising and working with patterns is essential. Professionals with heightened musical smarts may be adept at identifying rhythms and sequences, which can be applied to project/staffing scheduling and coordination tasks.

• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: (body smart)

• Construction involves physical work, and individuals with bodily-kinesthetic smarts may excel in tasks that require coordination, physical agility, and hands-on skills. This could be particularly relevant for tradespeople like carpenters, electricians, plumbers and even medicine.

In the service industry, solving problems is what we do. We are the ‘doctors’ of most daily life activities. Many have multiple combinations of the above-listed “smarts!” Success often involves a combination of these intelligences as professionals navigate technical requirements, communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse teams, and manage the physical aspects of construction projects. The ability to adapt and apply a diverse set of skills is crucial for individuals working in various roles within the service field. These are skills that should never be considered as disposable. Effort is important; having the experience to know where to put that effort makes all the difference. The story of the ship mechanic who used a hammer comes to mind. These skills set service people apart from others and why service deserves respect. Experts and specialists usually get paid more.

Excerpt: Multiple Intelligences - Howard Gardner

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