Emotional Intelligence: A Smart IQ Key Requisite for Success

Rosemary Edison

Corporate Trainer

For generations we were taught that Intelligence quotient (IQ) was the ultimate path to our success, the higher your IQ the better chances of you being successful. That narrative has changed. In recent years the spotlight has shifted to Emotional Intelligence (EQ) a skill- just as vital, if not more it is seen as a companion aligned with IQ.  It features in Best Sellers, myriad talk- shows, Workplaces, Schools and Organizations. It’s no longer a luxury -it’s a life skill

As Daniel Goleman, psychologist and author of the bestseller Emotional Intelligence, rightly said:

“What really matters for success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills — not just purely cognitive abilities.”

Emotional Intelligence is using your ability to understand, use and manage emotions both in oneself and in others. This means that Emotionally Intelligent people are good at “reading the room”. They don’t just react-they respond thoughtfully. This makes them better communicators, strong team players and effective leaders.

EQ as a Game -Changer in Success

According to a survey study conducted by Talent Smart Emotional Intelligence is the top predictor of success, ranking higher than 33 other workplace skills Even more striking, they found that EQ accounts for 58% of performance in all kinds of jobs. Clearly EQ matters – and here’s why

The Important Signifiers of Emotional Intelligence to Success

1. Self -Awareness: This is the foundation of emotional intelligence it means that you are in tune with your own emotions, strengths and your weaknesses and knowing how you feeling can affect your thoughts and behaviour. Self- aware people don’t shy away from admitting their mistakes or seeking help. This openness fosters growth and learning- qualities that fuel both personal and professional progress.
2. Self -Regulation: Once you are aware of your emotions, the next step is learning to manage them. Since you have a clear picture of yourself you are able to self-manage your emotions and act with composure. Instead of reacting to impulses you reason the emotion and act accordingly this helps you to take calculated moves when you need to adapt to new situations.
3. Empathy: Emotionally intelligent people are known to be highly empathetic to the needs and feelings of others. As a result of this it helps them see things from different perspectives, making one less judgemental and more supportive. Empathetic people can always thrive in a team working well with others be it employers or clients. This makes it easier to climb the ladder of success as you are winning hearts creating connections – and connections creates results.
4. Social skills: Being emotionally intelligent goes hand in hand with social skills. When you are friendly and likeable in the group you are known to meet your goals faster. In business such people can not only sense the emotional climate of the team dynamics but also the social aspects required while focusing on the business. They are good at knowing their market well where they need to deliver their solutions to meet the desires and needs of the organization. This in the long-run will improve customer loyalty and user engagement for a long-term success with happy clients.

 Can EQ be learned?

Absolutely

Some are gifted and naturally more emotionally attuned. However, there is hope for others who need to develop and hone these skills to achieve success.

Below are certain tips to follow

• Develop Self-awareness Learn to understand your feelings. Ask yourself: What are you feeling?  Why? Journal it, this truly helps to process the emotion better and respond accordingly.
• Practice Emotional Control: Be vigilant with your words and actions that you display and how you respond to situations. If you see yourself being outburst with emotions it will serve better to self-regulate your behaviour by going slow with your responses and take a closely calculated move for success
• Strengthen Empathy: Try to put yourself in others shoes, actively listen to respond effectively so that you are less judgemental and misunderstanding could be avoided.

Conclusion: EQ is the Key to Sustainable Success

Today success is no longer defined solely by academic degrees and technical expertise. It’s about how well you understand yourself and others, how gracefully you manage stress and work and how skilfully you build relationships.

IQ might open doors- but EQ keeps them open

You can be born with it or you can build it. Either way, emotional intelligence is a powerful and timeless key to unlocking your full potential to victory – in life, leadership and beyond.