EQ vs IQ: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More In The Workplace

Your IQ matters.

But when it comes to predicting success, emotional intelligence matters more. Studies show that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) affects everything from health and satisfaction in your personal relationships to leadership skills and long-term career success, beginning with your ability to land a job.

A CareerBuilder.com survey of 2,600 HR managers showed that 71% value emotional intelligence more than IQ. Fifty-nine percent would pass on a low-EQ candidate, even if he or she has the right education, background, and technical skills.

The same survey showed that when it comes time for promotions, high-EQ candidates beat high-IQ candidates 75% of the time.

What is EQ, and why is everyone looking for it?

EQ is a measure of interpersonal skills. EQ has three components:

1. Emotional awareness, the ability to identify and name your own emotions,

2. The ability to harness those emotions,

3. The ability to manage your and others’ emotions.

What makes those skills attractive to employers? From technological leaps to social, economic, and geopolitical instability and dramatic shifts in consumer behavior – we live in an era of rapid change that requires companies to adapt or risk the market leaving them behind. Companies are looking for individuals who have the soft skills to adapt to change and uncertainty.

When their companies focused on hiring individuals with high EQ, business leaders cited:

• Increased motivation and morale (46%)

• Improved leadership (45%) and

• Better collaboration between teams (37%)
  

People with high EQ are better able to communicate with others and are more likely to understand others’ perspectives. This enhances interpersonal relationships and leads to better collaborations.

Further, with strong social and relational skills, people with high EQ make a positive impact on workplace culture and strengthen their team, which is pivotal for business success!