What is contextual intelligence, and why is it important?

Contextual intelligence is our capacity to understand and function creatively within larger and changing contexts surrounding a situation. Contextual intelligence is also the capacity of particular contexts to enhance the life within them so that its activities and outcomes are more intelligent than otherwise.

This concept helps us realize that we and the contexts we inhabit can promote expansion and flexibility of our perspectives about life, and our ability to apply them to what’s actually happening. When we understand contextual intelligence we become more alert to the ways and situations that enhance that capacity.