Introducing TechPro Solutions, a fast-growing corporate software firm making waves in the industry with their powerful and advanced solutions . Two employees stood out on the team. Virat was a data analyst with an exceptional IQ ( talent ). He had an unmatched knack for solving complex problems and generating analytical insights that no one else could. Meanwhile, Rohit, a project manager, wasn’t as technically sharp as Virat, but his high emotional quotient (EQ) made him a natural when it came to building strong relationships, managing teams, and understanding client needs.
Their boss, Mr. Shastri, often found himself observing how these two approached their roles. On paper, Virat seemed to be the ultimate employee: he delivered error-free reports faster than anyone, was always armed with data to back his conclusions, and could break down technical problems with precision. Yet, during meetings, he struggled to explain his ideas in a way that resonated with colleagues and clients. His tone was often dismissive, especially when he believed others didn’t fully grasp the technicalities of his work. Team members hesitated to approach him with questions, fearing his blunt, critical responses.
On the other hand, Rohit was the person everyone turned to when things got tough. He wasn’t a technical expert, but had the ability to rally his team, mediate disagreements, and make clients feel valued and understood. In client presentations, Rohit’s warmth and attentiveness made him a favourite. While Virat’s data was brilliant, clients often left his presentations feeling confused and frustrated. When Rohit stepped in to explain Virat’s findings in simple terms, focusing on the clients’ goals and pain points, he often turned potentially tense meetings into opportunities for collaboration.
One day, TechPro Solutions landed a critical client who required both in-depth technical insights and a long-term strategic partnership. Mr. Shastri tasked Virat and Rohit to work together on the project, knowing that success would depend on their combined skills. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as he’d hoped. Virat insisted on running the entire project his way, prioritising efficiency and technical accuracy over relationship-building.Rohit tried to encourage him to think about how the client would feel about the process, but Virat dismissed his suggestions, saying, “We should focus on the results , not sugarcoating’
When they presented their initial strategy to the client,Virat dominated the discussion with a complex, data-heavy analysis. By the end of the meeting, the clients seemed disengaged, asking very few questions and ending the call abruptly. Rohit sensed that something was wrong and suggested that they hold a follow-up meeting. Virat resisted at first but eventually relented.
During the second meeting, Rohit led the discussion. He started by acknowledging the client’s concerns from the previous session, expressing gratitude for their feedback, and asking what success looked like from their perspective. He then broke down Virat’s data into actionable insights, using simple analogies and connecting each point to the client’s specific goals. As Rohit spoke, the atmosphere shifted. The clients began engaging more, asking questions, and even cracking a few jokes. By the end of the meeting, they were fully on board, praising the team’s approach.
After the meeting, Mr. Shastri called both Rahul and Rohit into his office. “You’re both incredibly talented,” he began. “Virat, your technical expertise is invaluable. But without someone like Rohit to translate it into a meaningful narrative, our clients might not see the value in our work.Rohit, your ability to understand people and connect with them is what turns our data into a story that clients care about.”
Over the next few months, Mr. Shastri began to lean more on Rohit for client-facing roles. He became tan important bridge between the technical and human aspects of their projects, earning trust from clients and colleagues alike. Virat, while respected for his intelligence, noticed that his influence within the team didn’t grow as much as Rohit’s. Frustrated, he asked Mr. Shastri what could be the reason.
Mr. Shastri explained, “Virat , intelligence can take you far, but emotional intelligence takes you further. Success isn’t just about being right; it’s about how you make others feel, how you collaborate, and how you inspire trust. Rohit has mastered that, and it’s something you can learn too.”
Gradually, Virat began working on his Emotional Intelligence skills. He started seeking feedback, practicing active listening, and softening his tone when offering critiques. He attended the training arranged by the Learning & Development Team on Emotional Intelligence . He then began to strike a fine balance between his talent and Emotional Intelligence complimenting each other , improving both his team dynamics and client relationships.
Valuable Insights: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is as critical to success as intellectual intelligence (IQ)—if not more so. While IQ might help you solve problems, EQ allows you to build trust, foster collaboration, and inspire others. In the workplace, success is often determined not just by what you know but by how you connect with people. Rohit’s high EQ demonstrated that empathy and communication can have a greater impact on clients and colleagues than technical brilliance alone, but he needed Virat’s brilliance too. We have to also recognise the role of the manager , Mr Shastri who had a good Emotional Intelligence too . He recognised team’s individual strengths and used it effectively to get desired results for TechPro . He inspired Virat to learn the EI skills which made Virat unbeatable and Mr Shastri trustworthy
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