
Emotional intelligence is, as proven by various studies, a key to
success in the workplace. People with average IQs have been seen to perform
better than those with high IQs, owing to their superior EQs. So why is this?
First of all what is IQ & EQ?
Definitions.
Intelligence quotient.
IQ is a score derived from various standardised tests specifically
designed to assess a person’s intelligence. It determines academic capabilities
and mental intelligence. It is thought to be genetic and inborn.
Emotional quotient.
EQ refers to one’s ability to identify, control and express their
emotions. Individuals with high emotional intelligence have been proven to make
the best leaders owing to their capacity to empathize with people with who they
work.
Emotional intelligence is cultivated in people from a young age, by
their upbringing and socialisation. It can be enhanced by encouraging
cooperative behavior in young individuals, such as sharing, empathy, sympathy,
etc.
The five skills of EQ.
Emotional intelligence is said to be the main key to professional
success as well as personal happiness and achievement. EQ has five main skills:
1. Self-awareness: The ability to recognise and understand our emotions
and our behaviour in various situations.
2. Social awareness: The ability to understand other people’s emotions
and empathise with them.
3. Self-management: The ability to use our self-awareness to maintain
flexibility and direct our behaviour positively and constructively.
4. Relationship management: The ability to use our self-awareness and
social awareness to cultivate and manage successful relationships with others.
5. Motivation: The drive to work for passion, rather than for money or
status.
These five skills are what help people with high EQ to be successful.
They assist them to understand themselves and those around them, thereby using
that understanding to cultivate productive relationships.
How EQ influences performance.
Emotional intelligence has a great, positive impact on performance.
1. It creates effectiveness of leadership.
The most effective leaders have a high level of emotional intelligence.
Because they understand the feelings and emotions of those for whom they are
responsible, these leaders can empathise with their staff. This creates a
belief of being understood and valued, hence working hard to achieve the goals
set by their empathetic leaders.
2. Enhances good team performance.
Leaders with high emotional quotients can use their social awareness,
relationship management, and motivation skills to influence productive
teamwork. They can motivate those under their leadership to work well as a team
with the sole aim of achieving a common goal.
3. Promotes good academic performance.
Emotionally intelligent individuals can leverage their self-awareness
skills to perform well academically.
IQ versus EQ.
Success in life does not solely depend on one’s IQ. While IQ is a
significant influence on academic performance and leads to people getting good
jobs and high earnings, it does not necessarily guarantee career success.
Many organisations now have emotional intelligence training for their
employees. They have embraced the reality about the role it plays in the overall
success of their organisations and are now conducting EQ tests as part of their
hiring process.
One cannot be said to be superior to the other, but it is important for
an individual to balance both their IQ and EQ levels instead of seeking to
nurture just one or the other.
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