The heart analogy has always fascinated scholars and practitioners alike, and is often used in management and organization studies literature. However, definitional issues to the term arise as writers, researchers, and politicians use them loosely, and can thus cause confusion.

The most common association is ‘emotion’. The infamous tripartite ‘Head, Heart, and Hand’ is often equated to cognition, affection, and psychomotor, and can be traced back to Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, a Swiss education reformist, who called for a more holistic approach to education. Association between the heart and emotion is common, but they are not the same and should be made distinct. There are also other definitions and associations of the heart Including core, habits, mores, purpose, vision, virtue, and so on.

Despite the multitude of the heart, it has played central roles in many traditions and religions. Imam al-Ghazālī gave a concise definition present in the Qur’an and the Prophetic tradition. The heart is the immaterial and spiritual heart, referring to the KNOWING and PERCEIVING essence of humans. The spiritual heart has many special functions, one of which is to perceive truth. If the heart is clear and purified, then truth will arrive at the heart. However, if the heart is corrupted, then truth evades the person. Part of our well-being is knowing the truth in life and being true to oneself.

Heart Intelligence > emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is well-known, but often over-valorized. It is crucial, but not as vital as heart intelligence! The heart does not only relate to our emotions but so much more. Research from the Institute of HeartMath has shown many of the heart’s potential, including:

• Essence: The heart is our core essence of being. We are not defined by our emotions, but by what is within our hearts.
• Perception: With our sixth sense in the heart, we can perceive the world in a different way. Emotions may block perceptions, e.g. anger leads to irrationality.
• Knowledge: The neurobiological heart stores knowledge, and works in tandem with the brain. Emotional intelligence similarly has relation to knowledge.
• Emotion: As we know, emotional energy is derived from within the heart.
• Unity: Hearts can find coherence and be united with one another. Emotions alone cannot achieve this.

In summary, heart intelligence is superior to emotional intelligence!

“Ask your Heart”

Another important function of the heart is its ability to make intuitive and moral decisions. Every day, the heart makes numerous decisions in life that are baby steps toward happiness. Instead of using our Heads, we let our Hearts guide these choices. The Heart is the king of the body and the primary decision-maker, and the Head only offer advice to the Heart. This is also evident in modern science, business administration, and numerous religions.

Sharing one prophetic tradition on asking our Hearts:

Wabisah bin Ma’bad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went to Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he asked me, “Have you come to inquire about piety?” I replied in the affirmative. Then he said, “Ask your heart regarding it. Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart, and sin is that which causes doubts and perturbs the heart, even if people pronounce it lawful and give you verdicts on such matters again and again.”

Narrated by Ahmad and ad-Darmi

Example from a CEO

I recently coached a CEO based in Thailand. Indecisive about a potential merger for the past two years, I invited him to close his eyes and imagine the possibilities. At first, I asked him to picture of the merger. What came to his mind was more bickering and disharmony among the employees. This mental picture is contrary to what the data has shown for the past two years! The data showed potential growth, but his heart was showing a different picture.

Then, I asked him: “What does your heart tell you now?”

What happened afterwards was a breakthrough for him. The answer was so clear and profound, that it surprised him so much. He now knows with conviction that the company do not need the merger, and can grow organically with great confidence!

Heart-centered Executive Coaching

Such is the power of heart-centered executive coaching. It is not about giving advice but asking the right questions to enhance their problem-solving skills.

Leaders often find that coaches help them to adapt to a new position, expand their sphere of influence, appreciate their natural strengths, clarify strategic visions and much more.

Typically conducted in a one-to-one setting, coaching sessions allow leaders to troubleshoot difficulties, ask challenging questions, explore opportunities and crystalize decisions and commitments. The Heart-centered Executive Coaching provides a unique partner that many leaders are unable too access otherwise, tapping into the potentials of the spiritual hearts together.