MODULE 3 – INTELLIGENT BEHAVIORS: SEEING MY NATURAL ABILITY
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
1. conduct themselves effectively in different situations as well as convey ideas and thoughts to
others;
2. identify their natural qualities and behavior; and
3. assess and improve their study habits.
MODULE OUTLINE:
Fourteen Intelligent Behaviors
Fourteen Intelligent Behaviors
Performance can be greatly influenced by one’s behavior. Behavior is defined as the
manner in which a person conducts himself/herself in various circumstances. When a person is
behaving intelligently, he/she is said to manifest 14 behaviors or dispositions.
The following are 14 intelligent behaviors indicative of an efficient and effective
problem-solver, many of which were originally compiled by Costa (2000):
1. Persistence. It means not giving up when the answer to a problem is not
immediately known.
2. Overcoming impulsiveness. It involves planning, clarifying goals, exploring
alternative strategies, and considering consequences before one begins a task.
3. Listening to others. Some cognitive psychologists think that the ability to listen to
another person and understand their point of view is one of the highest forms
of intelligent behavior.
4. Flexibility in thinking. It is when one considers other points of view rather than
running with the first thought that comes to mind.
5. Metacognition. It refers to the awareness of how one is thinking or the knowledge
of what is going on in one’s head.
6. Checking for accuracy and precision. It is the behavior of not letting speed
surpass the desire for craftsmanship.
7. Questioning and problem-posing. It means asking questions and finding out
problems for oneself.
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8. Applying past knowledge to new situations. It refers to the act of calling upon
one’s store of knowledge and experience as a source of data, theories, or
processes to solve each new challenge.
9. Precision of language and thought. A person with this behavior uses descriptive
terms to distinguish objects, and provide criteria for value judgments.
10. Using all the senses. The senses of feeling, seeing, hearing, or even tasting are
utilized to solve problems more effectively.
11. Creativity. It means applying ingenuity, originality, and insight. Creativity
develops one’s capacity to generate original, unique, clever, or useful products,
solutions, and techniques.
12. Living with a sense of wonderment. Involved in this behavior are inquisitiveness,
curiosity, and openness to beauty, intricacy, complexity, and simplicity.
13. Cooperation. It refers to taking advantage of the knowledge and insights that can
only come as a result of social relationships.
14. Sense of humor. It refers to being able to look at situations, opportunities,
problems, and relationships with nonchalance and fun.
Possessing many of these intelligent behaviors is an advantage in the corporate world.
Business firms look not only for knowledge and experience, but also for efficiency and
effectiveness. The global war for talent is likely to intensity. Many firms and companies are
already struggling to find enough well-trained, and inventive professionals.
Which of the 14 qualities characterize your behaviors? Which do you need to start
working on?
