If you ask me what the secret to success is, without a doubt, I will say emotional intelligence. Indisputably, emotional intelligence is so powerful that it differentiates individuals personally and professionally.
The Missing Piece: How This Simple Secret Can Catapult You to Success
If you're striving to be the most successful version of yourself, I strongly recommend you focus on strengthening your emotional intelligence (EI).
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
For many, EI is an elusive concept that is hard to describe; yet it is so powerful that it impacts everything we do; from how we manage our behaviour and internalize social intricacies to how we make personal and professional decisions. It's also known as the other kind of smart.
The Undeniable Impact Emotional Intelligence Has on Success
EI is extremely powerful and affects how we effectively interact with others and interpret human behaviour. It's important to understand that IQ, EQ, and personality differ.
Many of us know someone who is academically brilliant. We automatically assume a high IQ will propel their performance and success. Interestingly, research done by TalentSmart found that 90% of top performers demonstrated high EI. It concluded that EQ predicts success better than looking solely at an individual's IQ score.
What is IQ and EQ?
IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient and measures a person's cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, problem-solving, and verbal and mathematical skills. It is often associated with academic intelligence and is typically measured through standardized tests.
EQ stands for Emotional Quotient, also known as emotional intelligence. It refers to a person's ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions and the emotions of others. EQ encompasses skills such as empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.
The main difference between IQ and EQ is that IQ primarily focuses on cognitive abilities and intellectual intelligence, while EQ focuses on emotional and social intelligence. IQ measures a person's ability to process information and solve problems, whereas EQ evaluates their ability to navigate and manage emotions, build relationships, and understand social dynamics. Both IQ and EQ contribute to a person's overall intelligence and can play important roles in personal and professional success.
Why Emotional Intelligence is Considered a Secret to Success
EI is so powerful; it's a tool that can enhance personal and professional growth and contribute significantly to overall success. It impacts the following areas:
- Self-awareness
- Relationship building
- Leadership characteristics
- Adaptability
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Conflict resolution
If you’re interested in learning more, you will find more information about these areas in this blog.
Countless organizations and individuals are embracing emotional intelligence training because of its remarkable power to elevate personal and professional success. Marshall Connects consulting services can help you and your organization “up your game” by strategically focusing on developing higher levels of EI. What are you waiting for?
This article was originally published on April 20, 2019, and has been updated (July 2023).
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