Multiple intelligence (MI):
Howard Gardner, a psychologist working out of Harvard University, developed this theory. His work encompasses studies and collaborations in the areas of giftedness, brain-damaged patients, idiot savants, normal children, normal adults, and diverse cultures.
Multiple intelligence gives employers, teachers, and parents an opportunity to assess individuals and assist them in identifying and using their dominant intelligences. Most of us have 4 dominant intelligences. Targeting them and using them to create or enhance our performance is one way of applying this pluralistic theory.
The nine intelligences are:
Linguistic/Word Smart
Mathematical/Number Smart Logical/Problem-Solver
Interpersonal/People Smart
Intrapersonal/Self Smart
Musical /Rhythmic/Music Smart
Body Kinesthetic/Body Smart
Naturalistic/Nature Smart
Visual-Spatial/Picture Smart
Existential/Deep Thinking Smart

A brief description of each intelligence follows: Linguistic/Word Smart - Wired for words; Reading and writing come easily
Mathematical/Logical/Number Smart - Wired for numbers, problem solvers
Interpersonal/People Smart - Loves people; Understands personalities
Intrapersonal/Self Smart - Understands self; Wise; Teams make them weary
Musical/Rhythmical/Music Smart - Loves rhythm, rhyme, music, poetry
Kinesthetic/Body Smart - High energy
Naturalistic/Nature Smart – Loves the outdoors, animals, plants, classifying, and system building
Visual/Spatial/Picture Smart - Loves hands-on building projects, art, color, artifacts
Existential/Deep Thinking Smart - Ponders the "ultimate" questions of existence; An aspect of spiritual intelligence