The Benefits of EQ versus IQ

Intelligence quotient, or IQ, has long been a way of comparing intelligence based on standardized tests. EQ is emotional intelligence. When it comes to predicting personal and professional success, which do you think is most important? Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprising, is the discovery that EQ, the way we choose various behaviors, navigate social situations and make personal decisions, is much more important.

Seeing Versus Doing
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is the brainchild of Drs. Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, founders of the TalentSmart consulting group. The authors show how EQ consisting of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, social competence and relationship management can help individuals use emotions and intelligence to a personal and professional benefit.

Them or me?
Personal competence versus social competence is the foundation of EQ. Personal competence includes one’s ability to be self-aware (accurately perceive emotions and remain aware of them) and self-management (awareness of emotions to be flexible and direct behavior in the most positive way). Social competence contains one’s ability to decode, understand and deal with other people’s moods, motives and behaviors. This might include the need to be socially aware, able to read people’s emotions to really understand what’s happening, and relationship management, using your own emotions to manage interactions with other people’s emotions.

The Highlights of a High EQ
It is probably obvious that hiring and retaining people with a high emotional intelligence is a way to create a better work environment through smoother personal interactions. The Huffington Post analyzed some of the traits that help set people with high EQ apart.

1. Remembering what you can and can’t control – In the work world and in life in general, there always be will elements we can’t control. By keeping focus on what we can control, namely reactions to what’s going on at the moment and how others around us are reacting, high EQ people remain positive.
2. In touch with their own feelings – Not everyone looks for a touchy-feely atmosphere at work but knowing and understanding one’s own emotions can go a long way to understanding and empathizing with another’s emotions. Recognizing how you feel or act when stressed can help make you more understanding when you see the behavior in others.
3. Curious with boundaries – By nature, people with high EQ are curious about others. This translates into empathy for others.
4. Knowing what matters – EQ not only means caring for other’s feelings, it is also about protecting and asserting what’s important for one’s own emotional health. This creates a natural assertive quality that protects personal joy and satisfaction.
5. Staying positive – individuals with high EQ are comfortable with who they are, making it easier for them to engage in feedback and avoid unnecessary negativity. Confidence, not cockiness, is the result.

Cultivating High EQ Habits
Recognizing high EQ in your employees and new hires can be a great way to begin building a stronger workforce and better company culture. To learn more about Emotional Intelligence 2.0 visit here.

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and temporary employment placement services.