As soon as we start school, everything we do rides on intellectualism. GCSE’s through A levels and then our university degrees channel and celebrate really only one attribute: high IQ. Success is quantified by grades and academic achievement. This also means that when moving into the work environment, IQ is the tool that people know they can wield to succeed in interviews, adapt to new job roles and in the end, forge a high-flying career. Right?
But what if it’s not really all about IQ like we’re lead to believe? What if those IQ tests you get made to do at school actually tell us nothing about how likely we are to succeed in our careers? Daniel Goleman, the psychologist, author and scientific journalist, threw emotional intelligence into the spotlight in the 90’s with his book ‘Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ’. Although often misquoted, he claims that ‘IQ only contributes to, at best, 20% of factors that determine life success. Leaving the 80% to everything else – including EQ’.
How can this be?
Unlike logical-mathematical intelligence, which suffers insignificant modifications once we reach the end of adolescence, emotional intelligence can be developed over time, free of age limit, with the condition that it is provided the necessary attention and effort.
Whats the difference between IQ and EQ?
IQ (intelligence quotient) is derived from a standardised intelligence test that measures skills like:
- Visual and spatial processing
- Knowledge of the world
- Fluid reasoning
- Working memory and short-term memory
- Quantitative reasoning
The test result you get is compared to average scores of people the same age as you to get your true intelligence score for your age. Although a good test for cognitive intelligence, IQ is now seen by experts as a very narrow-minded assessment of someone’s true abilities and does not reflect the hugely wide-ranging skill possibilities of people around the world in the workforce today.
EQ (emotional intelligence) is broken down by Goleman into 5 categories:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social skills
These are then split into further sub-categories such as empathy, conflict management, teamwork, positivity etc.
Emotional Intelligence as an Employee
Emotional intelligence is used in many day-to-day workplace contexts and helps you navigate the onslaught of difficult life scenarios outside of work.
Studies have shown that employees with higher scores on EQ tests tend to rate higher on measures of interpersonal functioning, leadership abilities, and stress management. On top of that, 2600 hiring managers when asked in a survey, said that when considering employees for a promotion, 75% admitted they’re more likely to promote the worker with higher EQ than an employee with high IQ only.
It’s a fascinating insight into how we’re valued as employees and, how those with a high EQ rather than just the conventional high IQ, can strive for those promotions or new jobs because they can stay calmer in high pressure roles, they can resolve workplace conflict easier and quicker – creating a more harmonious and efficient team of coworkers, they lead by example and are more empathetic to colleagues and clients alike!
Utilising EQ in a Veterinary Workplace
In a veterinary setting, this information really resonates with me, because – when have I or any colleague of mine been complimented by a client for coming up with a diagnosis really quickly? Or knowing the whole list of differentials for a case off the top of our heads without researching it?
The complimentative Facebook messages, the thank you cards, the flowers and the oh-so-precious wine and chocolate only come through the front door to say thank you for: being so understanding, thank you for taking the time to comfort them in a difficult situation, thank you for reassuring them and updating them on their pet’s progress so regularly…
Long gone are the acceptable days of the genius surgeon with no bedside manner. For the sake of the clients and the team in which you work.
Whilst emotional intelligence may be naturally high in some people, it may be reassuring to many that EQ can be trained and developed. Resulting in improved workplace culture, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
One study in 2011 showed that employees who trained in key emotional intelligence competencies, showed lasting improvements in emotional intelligence. They also experienced improvements in physical and mental well-being, better social relationships, and lower cortisol levels.
Where to start?
There’s a fantastic article on Very Well Mind that goes through each core emotional intelligence skill and how you begin to understand and improve yourself. It shows you how to unleash the emotionally intelligent and fantastic you.
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