People have classified problems in many ways depending on various factors. I have tried to classify them according to there solution space. They are the convergent and the divergent problem.

In case of convergent problems, we converge to a solution. There is usually one solution to the problem eg what is your name? : Kumaresan. That’s it nothing less nothing more.

The other problem is the divergent problem, which do not have a defined solution space and is left to the imagination of the solver. Eg, Tell me something about yourself?  Blah Blah…. Blah Blah Blah… Ba Blal Ba Baaaalh…

The IQ Exams tests the ability of an individual to converge to a problem, where as the speech competitions, Group discussions etc measure the divergent problem solving capabilities.

Often the genius (or geeks as we call them) is the ones who have an excellent IQ but lack the Divergent problem solving skills. The other extreme is the artist, the writer they can express themselves creatively in beautiful ways. Somewhere in between lies folks like you and me, who don’t have a great IQ nor great Creative mind.

To become a leader one has to be an expert in both aspects. :)