Spiritual Intelligence

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A few years ago, I was doing some work with a small company that considered themselves spiritual. So much so that in our first conversations, before we had a contract in place or were working together, their CEO informed me of the fact they were a “very spiritual group and that it was central to how they operated.” I remember thinking it was very curious how they were positioning themselves but thought it was great that they had such clarity about their values and what mattered most to them.

A couple of months into our contract, when I flew out to run a few workshops for them in person, I realized their definition of “spiritual” was not the same as mine. And while there is no judgment in the observation of those differences, it was absolutely a key component of my decision not to renew the contract with them. I spent some time trying to figure out what it was that didn’t align with my definition of spiritual, and I never really got to the bottom of what was going on.

The most glaring difference between how we saw spirituality was one of inclusion. They very openly believed and preached that their religion was the one right and true way, including starting every meeting with prayers. 

I fully believe the culture of every organization is different because every person inside the organization is part and parcel of creating the culture – and since all humans are different, it’s impossible to duplicate exactly, from one company to another. 

So if everyone, as a group, has decided this is a ritual they are agreeing to or opting into, that is a wonderful thing. However, it was glaringly obvious, in this instance, that wasn’t the case. The founders of the company had clearly imposed this on everyone without their input, and there was a shockingly large number of people who didn’t feel comfortable with these elements (but also, didn’t feel comfortable saying anything for fear of retribution and potentially losing their job). They were stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

Part of the reason I was brought in to work with the team was to observe and ultimately address some of the behaviour challenges leadership felt were rampant in the team. Many of the behaviours fell under the umbrella of disengagement and, in my opinion, stemmed from the lack of belonging that many people felt. 

One of the key moments that stands out to me, when I think back on this engagement, was sitting in front of the executive team and explaining that people felt excluded or othered by some of the unspoken norms. And the CEO looking at me and saying, “That’s impossible. We’re a spiritual group, we welcome everyone.”

Who was I to try and convince someone that saying you’re spiritual does not, in fact, mean you are welcoming, open, inclusive, or anything else when they had absolutely no interest in believing anything other than what they already believed?

It wasn’t until I spoke with Dr. Yosi Amram that I connected at least some of the dots around what I was feeling and experiencing at that time and the work he does around spiritual intelligence. Namely, that group was a wonderful example of religious people using the language of spirituality and some of the concepts of spiritual intelligence, without living, embracing, or even recognizing many of them.

The concept of spiritual intelligence is a fascinating one, which Yosi explains is grounded in seeing ourselves as interconnected and interdependent – and operating from that understanding at the forefront.

In reflecting on my experience and the conversation I had with Yosi, it becomes clear that the essence of spiritual intelligence lies not in simply adopting the language of spirituality, but in genuinely living out the principles of interconnectedness and inclusiveness. 

Leaders are tasked not only with shaping a vision but also with fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and understood. 

As you consider your own organizational culture, ask yourself: Are we merely echoing the ideals of spirituality, or are we truly embodying them in our daily operations? This question could be the first step toward cultivating a truly spiritual intelligence-driven workplace, one that embraces diversity and fosters genuine belonging.

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In this episode, I chat with licensed clinical psychologist, pioneering researcher, and author, Dr. Yosi Amram about spiritual intelligence – what it is, why it matters (particularly at work and in leadership), how to activate and develop it, and the results it yields based on his extensive research.

We also dive into:

- Finding your North Star

- Our interconnectedness and interdependence

- Life seasons and shifting priorities

- Leaning into evolution and growth

"When we understand our interconnectedness and interdependence, we start caring for the totality that we’re in... 

Leaders with SQ have teams with more commitment, higher morale, lower turnover, and who produce better financial results... 

It transforms our lives (if we let it)."

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Yosi Amram, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, and an executive coach catering to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other influential leaders. He has coached over 100 CEOs many of whom have built companies with thousands of employees and revenues in the billions. Previously a founder and CEO of two companies that he has led through successful IPOs. 

Holding an MBA from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from Sofia University in Clinical Transpersonal Psychology, Yosi is a pioneering researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence whose research received over 1000 academic citations. He is the author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired. 

Yosi is committed to enabling individuals to unlock their potential through spiritual intelligence, which grows out of a profound connection to the core of one’s existence – their spirit, where inspiration and their deepest interconnectedness reside – that enriches their overall functioning, improves their effectiveness as leaders, and enhances their wellbeing as humans.

You can learn more about his work at yosiamram.net and/or connect with him on social (LinkedIn or Facebook, he also has a YouTube channel: Awakening Spiritual Intelligence).