All these decades, we have been believing that high Cognitive Intelligence (IQ) determines one’s success in life. However, it turns out that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) might be the secret ingredient for success in life.
EQ refers to a person's ability to control, perceive, evaluate, express, and manipulate emotions. Having a high EQ can make one inclined to make the right decisions for themselves, their team and their society. A person with a high EQ is self-aware, patient, empathetic, resilient and has healthy coping skills. On the other hand, IQ is a number that is the result of testing a person’s reasoning and problem-solving ability. One can have a high IQ and yet fail to communicate and socialize with people. A high IQ won't help one in handling criticism, stressful situations or emotionally demanding tasks. Therefore, a high IQ does not guarantee success and a low IQ does not guarantee failure.
Just like every other thing in life, balance is needed. A balanced EQ and IQ can assist one with rational thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, tolerance and prepare one to face whatever life throws at them. Letting EQ be your weak spot may not be a good choice after all. Here’s the good news, unlike IQ which is mostly inborn, EQ can be developed and strengthened over the years. One can enroll in SEL (Social-emotional learning) programs to increase their EQ or practice these skills:
Withstanding temptations and delay gratification
Communicating in an assertive style
Listening to others
Asking for feedback
Being approachable and sociable
You may be wondering, why lay so much emphasis on EQ than IQ? Taeyang, the famous South Korean singer once said “A smart man can’t beat a hardworking man and a hard-working man can’t beat a happy working man.” To conclude, a high EQ gives you the upper hand.
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