(2 minute read)
“Emotional Intelligence allows us to respond, instead of react.”
EQ versus IQ
IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a type of standardised score that indicates how far above, or how far below, their peer group an individual stands in mental ability.
Although the assessment techniques have now been modified, originally IQ was represented as a ratio of mental age to chronological age x 100. So, if an individual of 10 years of age had a mental age of 10, their IQ would be 100. However, if their mental age was greater than their chronological age (e.g., 13 rather than 10), their IQ would be 130. Similarly, if their mental age was lower than their chronological age, their IQ would be lower than 100.
In contrast, EQ (Emotional Intelligence) is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, and use emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively.
This ability to express and control emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others.
Unlike an individuals IQ, Emotional Intelligence has become one of the most sought-after competencies in attracting and retaining talent within an organisation. In addition to this, an individual’s EQ is more malleable and flexible than their IQ, providing an enticing attraction to develop it further and move closer to realising and fulfilling our potential.
The 4 Key Domains of EQ
Self-Awareness – awareness, understanding and identifying or labelling our emotions
Self-Regulation – choosing how to best respond, thinking prior to acting, separating emotion from logic
Social Awareness – awareness and reading verbal and non-verbal cues to help infer emotions
Relationship Management – using emotions to positively influence the social environment
To do a quick assessment on your EQ, head to our Quick Emotional Intelligence Self-Assessment tool here.
