Success in work and, indeed, in life is not defined by technical or intellectual ability. Although for a long time IQ measures technical skills and intellectual abilities by predicting a person’s personal success, research has long proven that emotional intelligence or EQ plays a very large role in determining how well we manage relationships, make decisions, and navigate those complex situations in life. The word EQ is simply defined as the ability to know and control your own emotions and to understand and control how the emotions of others are shaped.
This article explains why EQ often trumps IQ in achieving long-term success. In addition, it explains how emotional intelligence can help unlock growth in all areas of personal and professional life.
Meaning of Emotional Intelligence
According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence actually breaks down into five key components.
- Self-Awareness: It is the ability to recognize and understand your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior.
- Self-control: The ability to suppress or redirect disturbing feelings and thoughts and to adapt to changing situations.
- Motivation: Driven by motives other than external rewards that include personal progress and achievement.
- Empathy: The ability to understand the feelings of others and respond empathetically to them.
- Social skills: Skills needed to build and maintain healthy relationships, and thus involve effective communication and influencing of other people.
These building blocks serve as the foundation of emotional intelligence. While IQ can be useful in helping to solve puzzles or complete tasks with logic and reason, EQ equips a person with the tools to work with others, for leadership, and to deal with the emotional ups and downs that come naturally to both personal and professional life.
Why EQ Is More Important Than IQ
Enhanced Relationships
Emotional intelligence is very important in building and maintaining healthy relationships in both personal and professional lives. People with high EQs can manage their emotions in such a way that they can form close relationships with others. They are good listeners who understand different points of view, and they are able to express their ideas and thoughts in order to gain cooperation and trust.
This ability to build relationships and work effectively with others forms an important foundation in the workplace. People with high EQ build cooperation, resolve conflicts, and promote a cooperative atmosphere. Such people can lead and work in teams without letting emotions like anger and frustration get in the way. Therefore, they tend to have better interpersonal relationships and build meaningful and productive relationships.
Effective Leadership
It’s not just about making decisions, but also motivating people or guiding them through certain problems. Leaders who excel in these areas have high emotional intelligence. They are attuned to the needs, feelings, and motivations of the people they lead. They can read a room, sense when morale is low, and be a cheerleader when needed. They are even self-aware when they realize their limitations and perhaps they are able to control their emotions in times of high stress.
A leader with a high EQ will inspire loyalty, respect, and dedication because the value placed on communication, empathy, and teamwork is so high. Their leadership is rooted in emotional understanding; therefore, thoughtful and considerate decision-making can be expected, considering how it will affect others in their group. That is why EQ is said to be among the most important qualities of successful leaders rather than pure intelligence.
Stress Management and Resilience for Recovery
Effectively managing emotions is paramount when it comes to handling stress, obstacles, and difficult times. People with high EQ can maintain composure and clarity of thought better under stress. They can recognize early feelings of fear, anger, or anxiety and take adequate steps to reduce those emotions before they affect behavior or choices.
This self-control is important at work, where stress is common. People with high EQ are more resilient to challenges and are less likely to be overwhelmed by difficult situations. Such people are not misled by negative emotions but remain focused and solve problems correctly and confidently.
The conclusion
Indeed, IQ is important for the type of thinking that goes into technical knowledge or analytical thinking. On the other hand, emotional intelligence sets people apart, at least in the everyday, real world. It is that system of controlling one’s own emotions, being wise about others, and navigating the lines of social behavior that ensures long-term success in all walks of life.
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