EXCERPT
The Retro IQ is comfortable because it relies on (1) similarity, (2) ease, and (3) predictability. In a complex interaction between unconscious patterns and conscious choices, human beings generally veer toward the similar, opting to remain in their closest comfort zone. These sources of comfort are well served through the Retro IQ because looking to the past provides predictability, but it also enables us to thrive only in conditions identical to those in the past. For this reason, the Retro IQ may work well for those who need to discharge routine tasks and responsibilities on a daily basis, but it is extremely ineffective for leaders who should be visionaries, creating a strategy for the unexpected and leading a culture of critical and innovative thinking.
Choosing between the Retro IQ and The NEXT IQ is much like choosing between driving in cruise control mode and driving actively with full control of the vehicle. Cruise control is a popular feature, and car manufacturers consistently entice consumers with their “smarter” cruise control systems. Cruise control feels active because you have to get the car up to a particular speed before setting the cruise control. You also feel engaged because you have to continue to watch the road and be ready to brake in an emergency. That said, cruise control is less tiring than full control driving because it is easier (you can take your foot off the pedals to relax your leg muscles) and more predictable (the car’s speed stays consistent, and the car adjusts automatically for slight variations in incline and decline of the road).