EQ vs IQ

For a long time, our society has placed a great deal of emphasis on IQ. If one has a high IQ, it is commonly associated with academic success and professional and personal success. However, in more recent times, the importance of a high EQ (that is, emotional intelligence quotient) has been recognised. Some psychologists believe that standard measures of intelligence (IQ scores) are too narrow. They do not encompass the full range of human intelligence.

The most fulfilled people in life are not always the smartest. EQ is the factor that sets star performers apart from the rest of the pack. There is no link between EQ and IQ. Those with a low IQ might have really high EQ. The level of one cannot be used to predict the level of the other. EQ and IQ are separate matters. Personality is also not a predictor of EQ levels. Someone who is really outgoing might have low levels of EI. They might only talk about themselves, say offensive things, fail to see when others are upset, and be unable to control their temper.

Research has shown that even those with really high IQ scores do not always do well in life. This is often due to the way in which these people behave, think and communicate – or their lack of EQ. those with high EQ tend to do better in life than those with low EQ even if their IQ is only average. In fact, people with average IQs outperform those with the highest IQs 70% of the time. Those whoa re brilliant will find it hard to succeed in their work and personal lives if they cannot form relationships with others, regulate their emotions, communicate with others or recognise how their emotions can impact on others.

Signs that people have a high EQ include:

·       Being able to collaborate effectively with others

·       Focusing on the positive

·       Looking for solutions to problems

·       Doing what is within one’s control

·       Being assertive

·       Being able to set boundaries

·       Being forward thinking

·       Being able to let go of the past

·       Looking for ways to make life more fun, happy and interesting

·       Avoiding self-destructive and negative behaviours

·       Being curious about people who are not known

·       Enjoying meeting new people

·       Asking others lots of questions about themselves

·       Being a natural leader

·       Being aware of own strengths and weaknesses

·       Knowing how to pay attention to their work

·       Knowing how to pay attention to others

·       Knowing why they are upset (knowing where their emotions come from)

·       Being able to get along with most people

·       Having fulfilling relationships

·       Trying to be a good / moral person

·       Taking time to help others

·       Being good at reading other people’s facial expressions and body language

·       Being a good judge of character

·       Being self-motivated

·       Understanding links between feelings, action and behaviour

·       Being reflective or learning from experience

·       Accepting of feedback

·       Offering assistance to others

·       Being skilled at persuasion

·       Sending clear and convincing messages

·       Being effective at give-and-take

·       Listening well

·       Seeking mutual understanding

·       Handling difficult people and tense situations with diplomacy and tact

·       Cultivating and maintaining extensive informal networks

·       Seeking out relationships that are mutually beneficial

·       Having a sense of humour about oneself

·       Being self-confident

·       Willingness to voice views that are unpopular and going out on a limb for what is right

·       Being able to manage disruptive emotions and impulses

·       Staying focused under pressure

·       Being trustworthy

·       Behaving ethically

·       Being reliable

·       Meeting commitments and keeping promises

·       Holding oneself accountable for meeting objectives

·       Being able to manage change

·       Learning how to improve performance

·       Making sacrifices to meet a larger goal

·       Mobilising others through unusual, enterprising efforts

·       Being optimistic

·       Persisting in seeking goals despite obstacles and setbacks

·       Operating from hope of success rather than fear of failure

·       Seeing setbacks as due to manageable circumstance rather than a personal flaw

A study was carried out that tested EI alongside 33 other important workplace skills and found that EI is the stronger predictor of performance, explaining 58% of success in all types of jobs. EQ is the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence. This is not to say that people without high EI will never succeed, but it significantly reduces the chances. They might have to develop skills in other areas.

People who have high levels of EI have been found to make more money – an average of $29,000 more per year than people with a low degree of EI. IQ and technical skills do matter as jobs cannot be done without them. However, in most workplaces, everyone has some skill sets – that is why they were hired. EQ can set a person apart from the pack. The higher the workers go up the ladder, the more their EI. In a study comparing those who excelled in senior leadership roles with those who were merely average, it was found that almost 90% of the difference in their profiles was due to EI, rather than cognitive ability. Many employers use EQ tests as part of the hiring process. EI is something more and more companies are looking for.