Researchers believe that a person’s performance in life is estimated by both their IQ and EQ. Evidence proves the fact that IQ only accounts for around 10-25% of that equation. It means 75% of a person’s success depends on emotional intelligence. Wow! That’s great. Even, the corporate world has realized its importance and included EQ tests and training in their workplace.
But, you may wonder why so much emphasis on handling emotions. Isn’t everyone capable of doing so? Scientific research studies have proven that a person with higher EQ is a better team player. They are more approachable and confident and are better suited to for a work environment. As a matter of fact they make better leaders, more trustworthy and they are also more likeable.
To understand the concept better, we need to look into what is EI, i.e. Emotional Intelligence. Both these terms are inter related. Emotional Intelligence refers to a person’s ability to empathize and evaluate their actions accordingly where as Emotional Quotient is a measure of Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional Intelligence: The Four Elements of EQ
For a person to develop a high EQ, he/she must possess all these 4 elements.
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
- Social Awareness
- Social skills
Self-awareness
To be self aware means that you know your entirety, your strengths and weaknesses as a person. By the help of this, you understand your feelings and the reason that makes you feel in a certain way in certain situations. It’s important to understand your emotions to identify the impact it has on you and others.
2. Self-Management
The second element is self management which is being in control of your words and actions while, rejecting the temptation to make hasty decisions and compromising your values. Another aspect to this is adapting to change, thinking fast and act creatively and being innovative.
3. Social Awareness
Social Awareness refers to the ability to understand others’ emotions and comprehend their emotional make up. This element is crucial as it helps treat people accordingly; it develops the feeling of empathy. The ability to understand and perceive things in others’ perspective is the essence of this element.
4. Social Skills
The final element, which links Leadership and Emotional Intelligence together, is Social Skills. People with social skills are good in communicating their thoughts and opinions with others, conflict management and motivation. They set an example and lead from the front, by demonstrating acceptable behaviors and values.
Read: How to develop a sound a mind?
Developing your EQ
No matter which field of work you are involved in, there are several areas where EQ is required. For instance, to keep your emotions in check you have to first understand your own emotions – that is self awareness. Then you need to analyze your emotions and its affect on a particular situation and then act accordingly, this is where self managements comes into play. Then comes empathy or Social Awareness where you have to comprehend feelings of other people around you and what affect did your action/behavior have on them. Finally we have Social Skills which no matter which area in life you consider, is what determines how approachable and understanding other find you to be and how effectively you can communicate your thoughts and ideas to them.
In a world where knowledge is just a click away, Emotional Intelligence has taken on a rather greater importance and employers will likely want individuals with these skills rather than just technical and bookish knowledge and that is what makes EQ more significant than IQ in today’s fast moving, competitive world.
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