by Jason Richmond, CEO and Chief Culture Officer at Ideal Outcomes, Inc.
You’ve got to be smart to run a business of any size. No two ways about it. You don’t get to become CEO or achieve any leadership role without a fair degree of intelligence—the traditional high IQ (intelligence quotient).
That’s the measure of intelligence that’s been around since the early 1900s. But in more recent years the value of having a high EQ—emotional intelligence—has been increasingly recognized.
Research at such august bodies as Harvard, Yale, and Google, as well as many other institutions and companies, has validated again and again the merits of having emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill.
What exactly do we mean by EQ?
Dr. Daniel Goleman, author of the groundbreaking and bestselling book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, which popularized the concept, says that it involves self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It’s a person’s ability to manage their feelings so that they are expressed appropriately and effectively.
Sir Richard Branson has said, “I think being emotionally intelligent is more important in every aspect of life—and this includes business. Being a good listener, finding empathy, understanding emotions, communicating effectively, treating people well, and bringing out the best is critical to success. It will also help you build a business that really understands people and solves their problems, and it will make for a happier and healthier team too.”
For him, EQ was definitely much more meaningful than IQ: “If I had let my IQ and my school grades determine my success, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.”
EQ, in the first instance, requires knowing yourself. Travis Bradberry and Jean Graves, authors of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, write “Emotions can help you and they can hurt you, but you have no say in the matter until you understand them. Getting to know yourself inside and out is a continuous journey of peeling back the layers of the onion and becoming more and more comfortable with what is in the middle—the true essence of you.”
Here’s why I think High EQ is even more important than High IQ.
- Interpersonal Relationships: Success in both personal and professional life is often dependent on the quality of our relationships. High EQ enables individuals to navigate complex social interactions, understand and respond to the emotions of others, and build strong, meaningful relationships. While a high IQ might help someone excel in technical tasks, without the ability to connect with others, their success can be limited. High EQ nurtures empathy and social skills, which are critical for teamwork, leadership, and maintaining a healthy rapport.
- Effective Leadership: Leadership is less about cognitive ability and more about influencing and motivating others. Leaders with high EQ are better at understanding their team members’ needs, managing conflicts, and inspiring others. They are adept at reading the room, responding to emotional cues, and creating a positive work environment. High IQ might provide the knowledge necessary for strategic decision-making, but high EQ ensures that these decisions are communicated effectively and implemented in a way that gains buy-in from the team.
- Stress Management and Resilience: High EQ equips individuals with the tools to manage their own emotions, particularly under stress. People with high EQ are often more resilient, better able to cope with setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook. This emotional resilience is crucial in a business world where challenges and changes are constant. High IQ alone does not provide the emotional coping mechanisms needed to navigate stress and maintain mental well-being.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances is vital. High EQ individuals are often more flexible and open to change because they can manage their emotions and the emotions of those around them. They are more likely to embrace new ideas and approaches, stimulating innovation and continuous improvement. High IQ can contribute to understanding complex problems, but without EQ, individuals may struggle to adapt to new environments or collaborate effectively during transitions.
- Workplace Success: Research has shown that EQ is a stronger predictor of workplace success than IQ. According to a study by TalentSmart, EQ accounts for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, and 90% of top performers have high EQ. In contrast, IQ is less indicative of job performance and career advancement, especially in roles that require collaboration, communication, and leadership. High EQ enables individuals to work well with others, manage their own emotions, and contribute to a positive work environment, all of which are key to professional success.
- Decision-Making: While IQ plays a role in analyzing data and logical reasoning, EQ is crucial for making well-rounded decisions that take into account human factors. Emotionally intelligent individuals are better at weighing the emotional impact of their decisions on themselves and others. They consider the broader implications of their actions, leading to more thoughtful and inclusive decision-making.
The Balance Between EQ and IQ
It is important to note that EQ and IQ are not mutually exclusive; they complement each other. High IQ can contribute to an individual’s ability to understand complex problems and develop solutions, while high EQ ensures these solutions are implemented in a way that is emotionally and socially intelligent. However, in many scenarios, particularly those involving leadership, teamwork, and personal relationships, high EQ can be more crucial than high IQ.
While IQ might open doors, EQ is what keeps them open. Emotional intelligence is essential for navigating the complexities of human interaction, leading effectively, managing stress, and making decisions that consider the broader emotional impact. In a world where success is increasingly defined by our ability to connect with others and adapt to change, high EQ is often more important than high IQ.