Interpersonal
Intelligence Test
Find out how powerfully your mind reads, connects with and influences other people. Free, instant results — no account needed. Based on Dr. Howard Gardner's research at Harvard University.
Start the Test — FreeThe core definition
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand other people — their motivations, emotions, intentions and desires — and to work effectively with them as a result. People high in this intelligence are natural connectors. They read social situations with accuracy, communicate with warmth and adapt their approach instinctively to whoever they are with. This is the intelligence of the great leader, the gifted therapist, the magnetic teacher and the trusted friend that everyone turns to in a crisis.
Gardner described interpersonal intelligence in Frames of Mind (1983) as the ability to notice and make distinctions among other individuals — particularly contrasts in their moods, temperaments, motivations and intentions. He argued this is as rigorous and complex a cognitive ability as mathematics or language — and far more important for most people's daily lives.
Easily reads the emotions and moods of others
Natural mediator — resolves conflict with ease
People feel genuinely heard and understood around you
Strong ability to motivate and inspire others
Adapts communication style naturally to each person
Enjoys working in teams and collaborative settings
Nelson Mandela
His ability to understand, forgive and unite people across deep divisions made him one of the most powerful interpersonal intelligences in modern history.
Oprah Winfrey
Her extraordinary ability to make every guest and viewer feel truly seen and understood built a media empire on the foundation of interpersonal intelligence.
Mother Teresa
Her lifelong ability to connect with the most isolated and suffering people — and inspire thousands to follow — exemplifies interpersonal intelligence at its most profound.
Rate how much each statement describes you on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).